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Nevada • Mental Health
If you have Bipolar Disorder and cannot work, you may qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada. Nevada does not have a state disability program, but residents can apply for SSDI or SSI. These programs provide monthly income and healthcare coverage. Nevada also offers supplemental services like Medicaid and personal assistance.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada, your Bipolar Disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine eligibility. You must not be doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 if you are considered blind. If you are working and earning more than this, you likely do not qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet the SSA's definition of disability, which includes having a medical condition that prevents you from doing any substantial work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits based on your age and work history. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require a medical evaluation to confirm your disability. [^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]
Nevada does not have a state disability program for adults with Bipolar Disorder. However, Nevada residents can access federal SSDI and SSI programs. If you qualify for SSI, you will also get Medicaid coverage. Nevada also offers personal assistance services for adults with severe physical disabilities, which may include some people with Bipolar Disorder if they have additional physical limitations. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services provides other support services like food assistance and financial help. Veterans with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for VA benefits if their condition is service-connected. Private disability insurance is available if you had a plan before your disability. [^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]
Confirm Eligibility: Make sure your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must not be doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 if you are considered blind.
Gather Documents: Collect medical records, work history, and proof of income and resources. You will need these for your application.
Apply for SSDI or SSI: You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. If you have a work history, apply for SSDI. If you have limited income and resources, apply for SSI.
Apply for Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid coverage in Nevada.
Veterans Benefits: If you are a veteran, apply for VA benefits if your Bipolar Disorder is service-connected.
Private Disability Insurance: If you have a private disability insurance plan, contact your insurer to apply for benefits.
Nevada does not have a state disability program for adults with Bipolar Disorder. However, Nevada residents can access federal SSDI and SSI programs. If you qualify for SSI, you will also get Medicaid coverage. Nevada also offers personal assistance services for adults with severe physical disabilities, which may include some people with Bipolar Disorder if they have additional physical limitations. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services provides other support services like food assistance and financial help. Veterans with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for VA benefits if their condition is service-connected. Private disability insurance is available if you had a plan before your disability. Nevada residents can also get help from Nevada Legal Services and 211 for food, medical, and financial assistance. Nevada residents can see all benefits in their state on the Nevada benefits page.
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Nevada, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds in an ABLE account do not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses. Learn more about ABLE Accounts.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Nevada does not have a state supplement. The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 if you are considered blind. Earnings above these limits may affect your benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify.
You must report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Learn about Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes to understand your responsibilities.
Nevada residents can get free help from Nevada Legal Services or call 211 for information and referrals.
Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Nevada does not have a state disability program, but federal programs are available.
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 if you are considered blind. Earnings above this limit may affect your eligibility for SSDI or SSI.
Yes, if you qualify for SSI in Nevada, you will automatically get Medicaid coverage. Medicaid covers medical costs for people with disabilities.
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. There are work incentives that help you work while getting benefits. Learn about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for more information.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Gather medical records and work history before applying.
You will need medical records, work history, proof of income and resources, and identification. The Social Security Administration will use these to determine your eligibility.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Personal Assistance Services: If you have severe physical disabilities in addition to Bipolar Disorder, you may qualify for personal assistance services from the Nevada Division of Aging and Disability Services.
Other Support: Nevada residents can get help from Nevada Legal Services, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, and 211 for food, medical, and financial assistance.
Review Work Incentives: If you want to work while getting benefits, learn about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives.
Report Changes: Always report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Use Tools: Use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify for SSI.
Learn More: Review SSI vs SSDI to understand the differences. Learn about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) for additional support.
Get Help: Nevada residents can get help from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and local nonprofits.
All Benefits: See all benefits in your state on the Nevada benefits page.
Yes, veterans with Bipolar Disorder that is service-connected may qualify for VA benefits. You can receive VA benefits with SSDI or SSI.
The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Nevada does not have a state supplement.
Nevada offers personal assistance services for adults with severe physical disabilities. If you have additional physical limitations, you may qualify for these services.
The process can take several months. The Social Security Administration will review your application and medical records to determine eligibility.
