SSI and Bipolar

I am thinking of applying for SSI, because I know it takes a long time and my short term disability from my job won't last forever. I had a horrible work record in my late teens and early twenties. I once counted when I was 21 and I had over 30 jobs by that point. Since my accident the number is lower because I didn't work until September of 2006 (two years after my accident). Since then I have had five jobs, all within the last 9 months. At this point I am going to go ahead and say it looks like a problem.

I applied for SSI before I tried to work again, and I was denied. This was also before my new bipolar diagnosis. Has anyone been successful in filing? What is your opinion about starting out with a lawyer? Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Angela

I have only applied once, and this was back in 2005. At the time my depression was an issue, but I was just recovering from two months of homelessness so I had no access to regular medical care. The whole process was degrading, and I was not in a position to do anything myself. I was in a pretty dark place at that time, and pretty useless otherwise. I also hadn't been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at that time, so I couldn't figure out what was behind my instability. I was told by my rep who was helping me at the time that mental illness is easier to approve than a physical disability. However, like I said I wasn't being treated by anyone for my mental illnesses bc I was in a situation where I needed it most.

I will talk to my doctor and ask him what he thinks. I would really prefer to not get a lawyer. Thanks for your advice. Do you think it is too soon to re-apply?

Angela

Love, Gloria

Thank you both for your advice. I have heard that it is really common to be denied on the first application. I will keep trying, I just need to decide what to do. My dad is telling me I need to apply. I feel like I need to be realistic about my condition, and how long it has taken me to get to where I am now. I am relatively young, and I want to do things still. I just can't do them all the time. The reason I want to focus on art is bc it is so therapeutic to me.

Anyway, I will keep trying. Thanks again for your great advice

Angela

I totally understand what you mean. I think this has been an issue for me with thinking I could sustain a full-time job realistically. I think the other part is the side of me that doesn't want to give up. I guess I need to change the way I look at this. It doesn't have to be permanent either. I know I worked part-time and did very well with that. I think the full-time thing is where I run into issues. I have bad anxiety in addition to my bipolar irritability, so you can imagine what a joy I can be when I get stressed out.

As far as applying I saw that you can go online at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html#part3 and it will tell you how to apply online.

Angela