People suffering from bipolar disorder experience a myriad of symptoms, but the hallmark of the disorder is severe mood swings between a depressive state and an extreme hyperactive or manic state. For this reason, bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. Regardless of what you call it, bipolar disorder is a mental disability that qualifies for disability benefits.

Bipolar disorder makes it difficult to function in the workplace, and as a result it may be necessary to file a disability claim. Going this route raises such questions as:

How do I apply for disability? What are the criteria for applying? How difficult is the process? How can I improve my chances of winning disability? What is the decision making process on a disability claim? How long will it take to get a decision on my disability case? What do I do if my case is denied? How do I file an appeal?

The time line for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for bipolar disorder can last years. Any mistake in the process only adds to the amount of time it takes to receive the first payment. If you educate yourself about the process, you'll cut a lot of waiting time out of the process. You will need expert advice.

Many, many thousands of Social Security disability claims are denied each year. They are denied because they simply do not fill out the forms correctly--not because the applicant doesn't deserve benefits.

Since it is a behemoth of an agency, the Social Security Administration has created a system that requires paperwork to fit their requirements exactly with not much wiggle room.

So, stop and think first. The most crucial step to winning your claim is to prepare before submitting it. Many folks apply with one thought in mind: get those forms filled out as quickly as possible without consideration of the outcome.

Unfortunately, taking the forms lightly can reduce your chances of success faster than anything else you might do. Forget relying on Social Security personnel to help you.

So, presenting your information in the right way on the various forms that SSA gives you to fill out can do wonders for increasing your chance to win your case.

The information asked on the forms may seem repetitive, but straightforward. However, don't assume that because the space provided is an inch in width, a short answer is required. You may need to write a few paragraphs or a few pages, but without a guide you don't know which.

Sadly, only about 30 percent of disability claims are approved. Most people filing claims need a specialized information source. Without this, your bipolar claim will lack vital information the examiners are looking for.

Should your claim be denied, don't resign yourself to this decision. Use a specified resource that will help you better document your disability claim.