I'm 49 and been on SSDI twice (1993-1997, 2004-present). If you have work and Psychiatrist documentation that you are not functioning and can not hold a job due to symptoms associated with BP you should get SSDI. Everyone gets turned down after applying then you have to appeal and go to court (takes 6 mths). Get yourself a good lawyer. I had an excellent lawyer in Phila PA from Princeton. He told me that he would rather take a mental disability case than a physical disability case (ie. back injury) because the latter is usually harder to prove.

SSDI benefits are based on your age and your average earnings during your working years.