Bipolar Diagnosis

Sfahys

I'm a 26 year old qualified Chemical Engineer recently let go by a large American firm.

Last summer I suffered a major depressive episode that left me bed ridden for 3 months and admitted to a psychiatric ward after a failed suicide attempt.

I returned to work in September. In December found out I was being let go which triggered a manic episode which lasted until mid February with two admissions where I was sectioned. This severely damaged my professional reputation. My psychiatrist says stress is a trigger for me and I have a working diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

I'm currently living with my single Mother. I can't stay here forever but am too ill to work and am on illness benefit.

Can I apply for disability allowance? Would council housing be an option too?

Gatling

Yes you can apply for disability allowance ,it can take a while to be processed and payment to be made ,they will need documentation to back up the diagnosis,
Council housing you can apply for the list but expect at least 10 year wait to be housed if you have a long term housing need

Lady is a tramp

I may be wrong, but as far as I know, you can apply when you've been on illness benefit for approaching two years, if your doctor expects that you won't be fit to return to work for at least another year.

An alternative plan may be to spend a few months working on your mental health, while still on illness benefit, with the aim of eventually returning to work - either in the same sector or elsewhere. If stress is a trigger, a change of career might be something to start looking into.