I have been on SSI for many years fighting my symptoms. I finally got accepted into an AmeriCorps position for 6 months, you can have those positions and keep your SSI and Medicaid, etc.. but I had to drop out not because of bipolar disorder but because I couldn't physically keep up. But that short time I worked, I was much happier with myself and having extra money felt good. Now I'm in a deep depression. Having an ill husband seriously complicates things. I was so much happier... I saw a job listed near me I thought sounded perfect for me but I realized it was posted over a month ago and they didn't respond when I tried to apply and I couldn't reach them over the phone and it just sent me more depressed...