I recently started the process of applying for social security disability. The people helping me navigate it (TG!) have me scheduled what they called a "functional assessment", and that it would take about an hour. I don't know what to expect! Trying to find info online was even more confusing, though I did seem to pick up that there are a number of different ones. And that no one agrees on anything, lol. Though the original reason for pursuing was mental (I've been fighting having to do it for years -- pride, stubbornness, denial, fear etc.), in the meanwhile, physical symptoms started their own set of problems in terms of work (getting old sucks!!!). There is more documentation on the mental end for sure. (But from what I understand, it will be approached from both angles…. to show a view of the "whole person" so to speak. (The physical is less well documented simply due to having had no insurance. Any money went to mental things as necessary priority.)

Anyhow. Does anyone have experience with such a thing? What kind of things did your "functional assessment" entail?

(It's just a part of the whole thing of course. Even my ex is submitting a written "report" to them, having witnessed many many many years first hand. That should be an interesting read. ) (No worries. We get along. No sniping, just truth.)

I applied online and was approved in 3 months. Same as my boyfriend. (We are both bipolar 1 with occasional psychotic episodes, rapid cycling). I've not had a "functional assessment" but it sounds like they want to know more about your day-to-day living in terms of functioning with your illness. When I applied for SSDI, I filled out the daily functioning part of
the application, of course. The questions were yes/no type....for example, can you prepare meals? My answer: yes AND no because it depends (to this day) on my mood state. I explained when manic I had no appetite at all. Forgot about food unless reminded. If depressed, I often would not care or have the energy to eat. When stable, my appetite was relatively normal. Not sure if I'm making sense but I hope it helps. Keep us posted. xoxo

Meant to say SSD Social Security Disabilty rather than SSDI.

[HALLIEBETH87]

DO you mean like they are sending you to see a Dr for an assessment? When I got sent to one he barely let me talk about how bipolar affects me...it was all these memory questions where I had to recall things and like answer questions. It was weird. It had nothing to do with my day to day. I got denied the first time and appealed. I saw that Dr on 2/14/14....shortly after I got denied. I only appealed like 2 months ago and got a letter saying Im awarded disability last night.

You really never know.

Thanks, guys! And congrats, HallieBeth!

I'm quite sure they're not sending me to a Dr..(Though what you describe sounds like what a Dr. once said I should have. He called it "formal cognitive testing". Which kind of sounded like there was a dress code involved. ) And that kind of stuff can be problematic for sure, but it does seem rather limited in the scope of things, doesn't it?

Hmmm, yes, it would make sense for it to be along the lines of what is on the app itself, like what you mention, rainyday. I'm thinking now it's probably just part of their (the helper's) info gathering. (My BF was the one to originally search for assistance of some sort, knowing how paperwork and hoop-jumping totally immobilize me.)

SO TRUE, rainyday! My answer to virtually everything is "it depends"(!) And it varies so wildly -- it's one of the big problems in filling out forms! So what you say totally makes sense. (And yes, I'll report back.)

Reporting back!
It did turn out to be a Q&A day to day functioning and overview of patterns, types of work I've done, how that's gone, what kinds of job functions are problematic…. etc. A little about growing up and what my parents did. Not sure what that was about. Mental stuff, physical stuff. Went well, I guess. I did a lot of talking. Had my embarrassingly ever-present mid-sentence derails off into space… What was I just saying? What was the question again? (Or, more like not even realizing I'd gone off it and him having to keep bringing me back on track!) Poor guy.

[Trippin2.0]

Oh IZ, I'm sure he was keeping up just fine and totally charmed by you...

I do so love them myself, your rogue trains of thought is part of what makes you so uniquely you!

Although admittedly, I really dooo hate it when I'm trying to reign in my thoughts but I simply have NO idea wtf I was on about to begin with.

I hope for a speedy and positive outcome!

[MagicsMom]

Best of luck. I too was denied shortly after seeing their psychologist and unfortunately my state is one that doesn't have reconsideration so I have to wait a year for my hearing.

Up to 85 percent of people get denied the first time - especially with mental illness.

Hopefully you have an attorney - they work for free unless you get paid then they take a portion of back payments.

[constant thoughts]

I have recently begun the disability process as well. Im not sure what to expect either but I will post any information I think might be relevant. Please feel free to do the same.