[DelusionsDaily]

At 30 Im not sure I want to concede this but I lost my most recent job in July because of leaves due to 2 hospitalizations this year. They wouldnt actually say that but it is obvious. But I dont know work history wise if I have earned enough credits or whatever.

[saintpatrick]

I wonder if I will ever get my work going on a consistent basis. I get a job then leave because of depression and anxiety then feel guilt. I got a masters degree recently and haven't done anything with it. I'm sure that you will get something and hopefully feel better!

[Bella01]

I think that you have to earn 40 credits to get SSDI. If your not sure how many points you have you can call SS and they will tell you.

[Treading water]

I am 40 and had to quit my job last July because after ten years and countless tests I was finally diagnosed with Lupus, RA and I suffer from severe depression. It is a long uphill climb, but I had no choice. I still don't have the answer...sometimes I think I would not be so depressed if I still worked, but more days than not I cannot function mentally or physically.

[nicoleb2]

I am 31 and have been on disability for 2.5 years now due to mental health issues. I had been working since I was about 17.

[DelusionsDaily]

I have been working since I was 18 but most of it has been intermittent( although more on than off)and part time.

[madisgram]

a suggestion, mel. contact SS to find out your credits with your work history. if it were me i'd apply for SSI if you can, need pdoc backing. i did this while getting sober and dealing with bipolar dx. it gave me medical care and a check each month. then /if you feel up to it you can seek out employment. you're young so if you believe in the future you'd like to try working again it's a good choice, imo. vocational rehabilitation-state run and federally backed in all states- can offer you vocational training if you need it, counselling and they have a job bank. your MI definitely qualifies you.
in my case i was able to become stabalized/bipolar and sober and returned to my career for 7 yrs. later i went on SSD but those 7 years were wonderful until health problems got in the way.
i wish you well. hope you'll make that call. knowledge is a wonderful stress reducer.

[dragonfly2]

I agree, call SS: 1-800-772-1213. There are actually two programs for people with disabilities. SSDI: for people who have earned the work credits, and SSI: for people who haven't earned the credits. SSDI is based solely on work credits, SSI is based on income. Not sure if you have any other income coming into the home, but they will take that into consideration. Definitely worth a try. And, yes, your doctor needs to back you 100% - their report is key. Your recent hospitalizations should help your case as well.

And don't feel bad or guilty about disability at 30 years old. I was 30 when I first went on SSDI, but then like madisgram, was able to go back to work (7 years here, too) and then went back on it last year, at age 40. You didn't ask for your illness. That's what these programs are there for. Use them.