Hi...fill out the application.
The application will ask for work dates - thats ok, in order to qualify for SSDI you would be a worker that worked and suddenly stopped due to a mental illness or condition. I think it is even better that it shows you have had mutliple jobs (proof that something is going on with you).

After you fill out the application you can call the office and see if a DHS worker has been assigned to your case. This will be your "contact"

If you haven't seen a mental health recently...have you seen one? And within 2 years? they accept paperwork from 2 years back. If you haven't seen a mental health worker, start now and start telling this mental health work about the serious deterioration in your abilities to get along with others, keep your moods in check..etc. whatever symptoms you are having.

DO NOT WAIT for SSDI to contact any of your Drs for YOU. Get all copies of medical records that you think support your claim that you have Bipolar. If you have warnings from work...copy them...and send them in with your claim too.

If it is a fact that you are just going to start the SSDI journey and you are just starting with a mental health Dr. wait a couple visits with the new Dr. and when they "diagnose" you with Bipolar...ask if you can have a supporting document for your records that says you have bipolar.

There are also forms on line if you google SSDI Adult Function Forms and print some of those, have people close to you fill them out.

IF you have been seeing a Dr...after you get copies of all the above and an Adult Function Form at least filled out by yourself...then send all that to your "contact" at SSDI as soon as you can.

I'm sure everything you have read tells you that a high percentage of applications get denied at the initial level. This is true. Mine did.

Its an awful gut feeling to get the denial, but do not give up. If you can make visiting Drs your NEW JOB.

Usually, if denied at first step...most people I know get a lawyer for the Reconsideration stage. If your state has a reconsideration stage....if they don't there is another stage that you would see if a lawyer would take your case.

SSDI is a big waiting game. You can still try to work while in the process to make some money...it doesn't mean you are frauding SSDI, but the only downfall is you have to be really careful of what job you do...because when you apply for SSDI you are saying you can't do ANY job.

But, if you keep getting little short stints and losing them or quitting on a whim, this only supports your claim that you can not work and you will have MORE reasons why.

If you have no income..its very hard to fight this SSDI fight.
It can drag out or it can happen quickly. People who have good supporting documentation from Drs and get that information to the DHS office...have a better chance of approval

Also, the DHS has a graph they follow to determine eligibility. Age and education are a factor in their decision. Find the graph by searching something like SSDI eligibility checklist (sorry I'm bad with saving or remembering links).