If you call SSA they will tell you what your expected monthly benefit would be, if you were to get it now. You have to be firm and assertive. They can be kind of snooty. Just be direct and ask a plain question. Don't try to make any small talk, or tell them anything about your situation. You just want a simple answer.

We used to get a thing in the mail every year giving all that info. They stopped about two years ago to save money. You still have a RIGHT to the info.

A law firm will give you a rough idea of your chances of getting SSDI. If you do get it, and your SSDI is rather low (like below $600, or $700, then you might also get a few extra dollars from SSI.) The younger you are, the more tough it can be to get. But that can change based on the severity of how your disorder keeps you out of work.

Google the subject and you will learn lots! For now, and for down the line when you might have a more serious need to apply.

Mainly, SSA looks for the facts that you are in treatment with an MD, and that you are complying with the treatment, and that it has gone on for an extended period of time.

Any good lawyer will tell you that the best thing to have in your corner is a doctor who is supportive of helping you get on SSDI/SSI. Sometimes, doctors attitudes toward that can be somewhat influenced by their political beliefs.