ssa.gov is the official social security website and is a great resource. i am no expert on the matter but am familiar with applying and i helped my boyfriend (he has bipolar 1, like me) apply. PM me if you like. i don't have professional advice to share but i'm here to support and i do have direct experience with the process.

Me, I am on SSDI/disabled since 2009. i'm an attorney but cannot work anymore. i was diagnosed in 2006 and have been in treatment the entire time for bipolar type 1 (and some other stuff, mainly anxiety).

i applied online for disability/SSDI directly thru the social security's website. i was approved 3 months later. it seems more common for people to have to go thru a longer process, appeals, etc.

Now I am experiencing the reviewal process to determine if i still qualify to get benefits. it is nerve-wracking, but routine.
my pdoc told me at my appt this week that i am too sick to work. i am still waiting to hear back from social security to see if my benefits will continue/if they still consider me disabled. of course, no disability = no benefits. keep your fingers crossed.

i know i am disabled. my financial survival and health insurance and rx insurance is all riding on this because i cannot work anymore. i am a single mom and financially have no one in my life to lean on (which is ok, just no cushion).

weird how life turns out. never thought i'd be where i am today in life. puzzling, but i accept it. good things have happened along the way - bipolar, divorce after 16 yr marriage, becoming poor again, and not being able to pursue my professional work due to illness...well, they haven't been the good things. lol oh well.