Hi ES, I'm sorry you're struggling. I agree with AL that it's probably better to put off this application for disability until you have documentation to support your claim. The reason for this is that SSA is seeking to verify your claim, not find ways to help you figure out what's wrong. I hope that makes sense.

Also, for anyone who is not following the news, there is a strong likelihood that programs associated with SSI, such as Medicaid, will be severely altered due to efforts by the new president and congress to "block grant" Medicaid. This would mean that, instead of the federal government covering eligible people as costs and enrollments rise, it will only give a capped amount of money to states and each state will have to decide how to spend it and what to cut in order to make the money cover everyone, and that will diminish over time as costs increase.

I know many many people on SSI who were born with significant disabilities and they want nothing more than to get off SSI and be employed. They have wanted this even before the current political situation that now threatens benefits. Sorry for the dire news, but it is scary out there for people who are already receiving these benefits.