In my late 30's my bipolar disorder reappeared after 20 years without symptoms that interfered with my life.

I was working for a large organization, with a high level position. As part of my benefits package I paid into long term disability. I chose the option to receive 80% of my salary if I were ever to need it. But I never thought I would.

I tried many things to keep my job, but ultimately I had to go on disability.

The benefits department of my employer did all the set up for me to receive my disability.

One of the conditions of receiving the disability from the private organization was that I had to apply for SSDI. Which I did and received. The total payment between the two equaled 80 % of my salary at the time I went out.

I had worked 18 years in fairly high level positions always paying into Social Security. What you can or will get from SSDI is based on this. That is how long you worked paying into SS and how much you were making.

Because I was already receiving private disability it was easier to obtain SSDI.

I don't know exactly what you do just to get SSDI. I guess the first step would to be to contact your local Social Security office.

Good Luck