Hi, I am a female in my mid thirties. I have been diagnosed bipolar a little over a year ago. I have found I was bipolar way back in my teenage years. My sister is bipolar, my mother and my niece. In 06 I was put on medicine for bipolar and anxiety. During that time, I was missing alot of work because I couldn't face the stress of my normal job duties. My moods would swing pretty rapidly at times and I became extremely hyper. I also have Socialphobia or Social Anxiety. I can't go out in public by myself or I get very nervous that others are watching every move I make. I quit my one job in 06 due to not being able to function properly at my job. I have tried working at 5 other places since the job in 06. I can't face the stress of the job and get very hyper and my moods swing rapidly. I have tried applying for a medical card and have to be put on a waiting list. I can't get the proper medical treatment I need due to no insurance. I would like to know if anyone else has this problem and whether or not you can get SSDI. not currently being under a doctors care. I know that they will send me to one of their doctors. But is that enough proof for them to approve me for SSDI? I have enough credits to receive it if I am approved. And I know its a long process. I also need to know how long I should wait to apply, I will be receiving a profit sharing check from a previous employer for around $11,000.00. I know you can only have like $2,000.00 in cash resourses when you apply to be elligible. And with me not working the majority of it will go to bills. So when can I apply? Any imput would be greatly appreciated as I don't know what else I can do but try to apply for SSDI.

Go to the Social Security office and apply. Within 30 days you will be reviewed, and most likely, turned down. Don't let that stop you; appeal it because 90% of applicants are turned down the first time they apply. It's quite a process, it can take years and you will have your life under a microscope for that time. You will have to be evaluated by doctors for a long time and you will have to cooperate with their treatment recommendations. If you appeal two times, I suggest you get a Social Security lawyer - most of them have free consultations and have you sign a thing where you will pay them when you get approved. But like I said, it can be a years-long process. I don't mean to discourage you, but that's just how it is. Good luck...

Hi Kare bear: Start ssd NOW. SSD is diferant from SSDI You can get SSD no matter about the money you have. You paid into it. Call the office they will fill in paper work then send have you go over and sign. You will prob get denied twice then appeal with a lawyer. They do not get paid unless you do. YOU need to get to Docs that really important. See about getting in with a lower payment or payment plan. They look at what the Doc's say. As the other person said it does take forever. 60 - 90 day each time with out appeal then you start over when you apply for court date. KEEP GOING don't give up. You will get back pay. SSD people are nice and will help. Also some Docs help with Meds by giving samples. BUTreally going to Doc's is very inportant. They need tosay you can not work and in my case. I'm still waiting for court date. My big problem is getting to work everyday, when I am depresses can't get out of bed, manic off the charts. So please keep up on trying to get the SSD.

Keep in touch this board and people on it a really great
Jeane