I applied a couple of weeks ago with the assistance of an attorney. I am 32 and have been on meds for depression, anxiety and OCD for 3 years. I started seeing a therapist and pdoc 2 weeks ago and they agree that there's no way I can work right now. As a matter of fact my therapist said that she doesn't see how I've been able to cope for so many years without having a breakdown. My attorney keeps track of all of my appointments and forwards the records to the SS office.

Even though I am 32 and educated what are my chances of winning this without having to go all the way to a hearing? I know the chances are slim but the fact that my pdoc said that I can't work gave me a bit of hope.

Also, I have a 16 month old daughter. I know I can receive benefits for her. What about my husband since he is also caring for her? He is 46. Is that included in my family maximum benefits? TIA!

Tori, no one on the internet could possibly give you any kind of a realistic estimate of your chances of success. We would need to interview you, your family and close friends; review all of your medical records for at least the last 5 yrs.; review your Social Security files, interview your treating physicians, psychologists, therapists, etc., review your school records, and so on. The only person who would be in a position to do so is your attorney. I do hope that your lawyer is one who specializes in Social Security disability cases as it is a somewhat difficult area of law. Good luck with your case.

Thanks for your honesty. My attorney only handles SSDI cases. On my word alone she thought we would go all the way to a hearing. I have not talked to her again since she has gathered all of my medical records. I worry about my age and my BA degree being the biggest factor in my case.