I am so glad I found this forum!! I am 32 years old with severe anxiety and OCD. I've been on medication for about 3 years with no sign of improvement. I have severe panic attacks no less than 10 times a day also I have a lot of problems with my OCD. I've been at the same job for over 6.5 years. I still work full time but plan to go part time very soon. I plan to make sure I make less than the $810 per month in order to file for SSD. I am in a catch 22. I can't afford not to work and I'll starve if I quit. It's a nightmare coming to work everyday. I have a wonderful Dr that will write me a note stating that I need to work part time due to my disabilty. I think he will help me in any way that he can.

Has anyone else had any luck being awarded benefits for mental illness? I read somewhere that it helps if you have Senators and Reps call on your behalf for disability. Does anyone know anything about this? Should I use them in the initial application? I have a contacts with both through my job.

Also, what kind of questions do they ask for the GAF? At what point do they evaluate you? Any tips or advice?

Thanks!!!

I do not see the need to involve your congressman or senator, etc. unless there is a specific problem with your case. I would avoid having your doctor write a note at this point as you will most likely need an attorney to obtain specific information from your doctor if you are denied initially.

As far as work goes the rules are quite clear, if you are able to make $810 or more per month then you are not disabled. The fact that you make sure you do not make more then that will most likely not help you as the rule refers to the ability to make that amount, not whether you make it or not. As I noted above, a doctors note stating you should only work part time may end up hurting your case.

The GAF or Global Assessment of Functioning is not determinative for a SSA disability case. It is a number assigned to a person that represents the doctor's opinion as to what is your current level of functioning. The scale can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV.