1). How long did it take? (or if you haven't won your case, how long has it taken so far?)

i got in in 2 1/2 months. on the first try. no lawyer.

2). How old were you when you applied, approximately? (feel free to skip if you want to keep this private...I only ask because Social Security often denies cases based on age)

i was 21

3). What condition(s) did you apply for?

Schizoaffective disorder

4). What convinced you that benefits were necessary?

i was in the hospital a lot. i couldnt care for my daily needs let alone a job

5). If you received a rejection at any stage of the process, what reasons were cited? doesnt apply to me

6). any pointers?

like a few others said here - i had a long paper trail. going back since i was 13 years old. ive been hospitalized many times a year. average about 3-4 times a year. all in all had about 20 hospitalizations.