hi.... I had to apply for SSI and SSDI at the same time, part of the process.. manatory... you may then be turned down for SSI, but granted the SSDI...I am not sure why they make you appy for both ... but they told me that the two are not connected, however to apply for SSDI you must also apply for SSI. I recevied approval the first time for SSDI..

The process... was the most frustrating.. thing I have ever, ever gone thru. I can still remember the "interview" with the psych. person... and well just like you described it.. grrrrrrrr..
The three words, that I needed to remember..

And the whole process, took a very long time.. for the determination to be made, for benifits to start..

if I can help, pls let me know..