Disability allowance and Bipolar

DaniMu5

Hi,

I'm hoping that someone could offer me some advice.

I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I was told that I should qualify for Disability allowance. I'm a student but I have been working in the past but due to my problems I couldn't keep working. My parents are now doing their best to support me.

I was considering applying for the disability allowance, at first I didnt think that I would qualify as Im a student but it appears that you can apply as a student. I am hoping that I can get this payment until we find a successful way to treat my symptoms and I can start working again.

However, Im a a bit concerned about being a student and feel that this may pose a problem - as I feel that they will think Im only applying as it would be a way to get the dole and to be honest I do feel kind of guilty applying because there are worse off people than me.

Has anyone here applied as a student or applied with bipolar?

FanadMan

DaniMu5 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm hoping that someone could offer me some advice.

I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I was told that I should qualify for Disability allowance. I'm a student but I have been working in the past but due to my problems I couldn't keep working. My parents are now doing their best to support me.

I was considering applying for the disability allowance, at first I didnt think that I would qualify as Im a student but it appears that you can apply as a student. I am hoping that I can get this payment until we find a successful way to treat my symptoms and I can start working again.

However, Im a a bit concerned about being a student and feel that this may pose a problem - as I feel that they will think Im only applying as it would be a way to get the dole and to be honest I do feel kind of guilty applying because there are worse off people than me.

Has anyone here applied as a student or applied with bipolar?

Hi

Am bipolar and was diagnosed while working in the north. Had to quit job and move home cos things were so bad. My GP arranged a meeting with the local welfare officer and had letters from my psychiatrist. All I had to do was sign the application - good thing too cos was seriously messed up with all the meds they were throwing at me at the time

Best thing is to speak to your welfare officer - most of the time they are really nice people and very helpful. Also, if possible, have something from gp or psrink to explain your situation.

Best of luck and keep well - there is a light at the end of that very horrible tunnel.

pl4ichjgy17zwd

Am bipolar too and was diagnosed at 15, applied for DA when I was 17, denied, went into hospital for a while, appealed when I came out and finally got it awarded at 18.

You might/possibily even likely will be denied first time (they seem to deny almost every one first time) but definitely appeal. It could take some time, but you'll be awarded arrears if you're successful. There's no reason being a student should affect your claim, since DA is eligible from 16 onwards. Don't feel bad about people 'worse off' - you're entitled to apply, bipolar is a very real condition and definitely affects ability to work. Get as many letters as you can, GP, psychiatrist etc. Write a personal note as to how bipolar affects you. You could be called in for a medical assessment but just be honest in how it stops you from successfully holding a job right now.

Definitely agree with speaking to your welfare officer if you can.

Good luck with treatment, hope you find that balance sooner rather than later!