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Disability pension in the face of bipolar disorders: Understanding your rights and available assistance

Bipolar disorders, affecting a significant number of people, represent a real challenge to overcome on a daily basis. They influence not only the personal life, but also the professional sphere of the person who suffers from them. For many, these disorders can be so debilitating that they lead to drastic adaptations, or even the complete cessation of professional activity. Such situations, in addition to exacerbating the psychological state, can also cause major financial concerns, especially if the individual has family responsibilities.

THEAllowance for adults with disabilities (AAH) is one of the financial support measures put in place to help people with disabilities, as is often the case with bipolarity.

However, AAH is not the only source of financial aid. The Disability Pension is also an option for those who meet certain specific criteria. Its amount, depending on the disability category (1, 2 or 3), varies between 311 euros and 1,823 euros. It is essential to note that the majority of beneficiaries are generally classified under Long Term Affection (ALD) status.

Disability pension: An overview

Intended to compensate for the loss of income due to a significant reduction in working capacity (reduction of at least 2/3 in capacity), the disability pension is a real lifesaver for many French people. It is issued following an illness or a non-professional accident. However, this support does not last forever. Indeed, the pension may be revised or even suspended, depending on various factors such as the improvement of the state of health or the resumption of work. As soon as the legal retirement age is reached, this pension is automatically converted into a retirement pension.

It is crucial to recognize that 30 Long-Lasting Conditions (ALD) are officially recognized by the Ministry of Health. Among them, we find bipolar disorders. The management of this recognition is the responsibility of Social Security. To qualify, you must therefore have been an employee or be self-employed. Disability can often follow a prolonged sick leave, up to three years.

Disability recognition process

Health Insurance manages the process of establishing a disability. Several ways are available to request recognition:

  • Directly via the CPAM, in particular in the event of exhaustion of daily allowances.
  • By the attending physician who sends a medical certificate to the health insurance medical advisor.
  • By the insured himself who must fill out the appropriate CERFA form and provide the necessary documents.

Once the file is submitted, the CPAM takes a decision in two months. In case of recognition of disability, it establishes the category and determines the right to the pension. The person is then informed, and the organization checks the eligibility of the individual every 3 months.

Faced with bipolar disorders, it is essential to know your rights and the supports available. These financial measures can provide considerable relief in sometimes complicated times.

Understand the criteria for awarding and the categories of disability pension

The inability to work, whether the result of an accident or a non-occupational illness, is a major challenge for many people. In order to alleviate this disability and to guarantee financial support, Social Security offers a disability pension. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Eligibility criteria

The establishment of this pension requires an assessment of the incapacity to work by the Social Security medical advisor. This step is essential and unavoidable.

To be eligible for the disability pension, several conditions must be met:

  • Be under the legal retirement age.
  • Have, on the first day of the month in which your rights are assessed, have had a Social Security registration number for at least 12 months.
  • Have worked a minimum of 600 hours during the 12 months preceding the study of your rights.
  • If you are a foreigner (outside the European Economic Area), it is imperative to prove the regularity of your stay in France.

Disability categories defined by Social Security

There are three distinct categories of disability. If the medical advisor estimates that your capacity to work or earn is reduced by at least 2/3, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

  • 1st category : For people who are still able to carry out a professional activity. The pension is 30% of your average annual salary for the best 10 years, with an amount between 311.56€ and €1,099.80.
  • 2nd category : Concerning persons who are completely unable to carry out a professional activity. The pension is 50% of your average annual salary for the best 10 years, ranging between 311.56€ and 1 833.00€.
  • 3rd category : For those who are not only unable to exercise a profession, but also dependent on a third person for everyday life. The pension is here from 50% of your average annual salary for the best 10 years, with an amount ranging from (311.56€ + 1 210.90€) To (1 833.00€ + 1 210.90€).

The disability pension is therefore adapted to the situation of each beneficiary, offering a financial support crucial in these difficult times. If you think you are eligible, we encourage you to take the necessary steps with Social Security.

How to manage the accumulation of your disability pension with other income and prepare for retirement.

A disability pension is financial assistance provided to persons whose ability to work or earn is reduced as a result of an illness or accident. However, the management and combination of this pension with other sources of income require particular attention.

Cumulation of disability pension with other income

You have the option of combining your disability pension with other income. However, it may reduce the amount of your pension.

  • Disabled Adult Allowance (AAH) : If your category 2 disability pension is less than €956.65 per month (for 2023), you can receive an AAH supplement to reach this amount.
  • Retirement insurance : You can also benefit from pension insurance through your employer or take out pension insurance of this type individually. These insurances can be an advantageous complement to your Social Security pension, especially depending on your last earnings. Since each mutual insurance company has its own rules, it is crucial to find out about the specific clauses for compensation. An application for a supplementary disability pension will require a file validated by the mutual insurance company. Above all, a disability certificate and the associated Health Insurance category are essential. In some cases, it is possible to obtain the repayment of outstanding loans. However, just like the Health Insurance pension, the mutual insurance pension can be reassessed or suspended depending on the evolution of your situation.

Transition from disability to retirement

Category 2 disability pension ceases when you reach the legal retirement age of 62. It is important to note that quarters continue to be recorded during the period of disability, but no contributions are made, which can affect the amount of your pension.

consultancy

Throughout this period, it is crucial to maintain regular communication with the various actors concerned: Health Insurance, your employer, mutual benefit insurance, and pension or supplementary pension insurance. Even if the journey can be complex and sometimes disheartening, sustained personal investment is essential to guarantee your future peace of mind.

It is recommended that you consult resources such as Cramif.fr or to participate in forums dedicated to disability, disability or bipolarity. These platforms can offer testimonies and practical solutions to anticipate and solve numerous problems related to your situation.