Qualifying for SSDI

My son is considering applying for SSDI. He is 20 yrs old and has only had two part -time summer jobs, each lasting less than two months. He will be applying under my work history as I am also disabled (due primarily to RSD and several other physical conditions). *SSDI allows children under 22 to apply under their disabled parent's work history. Anyway the main reason he is applying is chronic severe daily migraine headaches. He also has bipolar with depression but it isn't really disabling. My question is should I include the bipolar/depression diagnosis when applying or only the chronic migraine diagnosis? Any insight/advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. When I applied I was extremely lucky and blessed to be approved within 2 months of turning in my paperwork. From what I have heard this is very unusual and it is usually a long drawn out battle to get SSDI. What can I expect with his case?
Cricket

I too am applying and I have been told to list all symptoms. But only in one group {physical or mental}.

When my son was eighteen, his advocate helped him fill out the paper work for SSI. He has a long history of mental illness. He was denied and appealed; ultimately he was denied again. He tried working, he really tried hard. He worked at several different jobs over a period of five years. He'd start out fine, but the stress and demands of the jobs always resulted in him collapsing emotionally. At that point, I helped him apply again and he was approved for benefits. It took about six months from submission of the paper work to approval. I think that the fact that he had a work history and could show that he genuinely tried to function in a work setting helped his case. He also had the back up support of his therapist and psychiatrist to show the effects work stress had on his mental health. He was also accepted into a supported living arrangement for individuals with mental health problems. I think that weighed heavily in his favor too. Good luck to your son and I hope he has some relief from the migraines!

PS The good news is that my son remained on benefits for eight years and then seemed to really pull his life together. He got off benefits last year and works full time, handling the stress well. I think he's pretty proud of himself . . . and I have to say that I'm pretty darn proud of him too!

Have him fill out the BEST form; that will say what he could be qualified for:

http://www.benefits.gov/ssa/home

The sooner you can apply the better it will be. Instead of thinking about it, do it then think about it. They go back to when you first applied.

Yes, write everything you can about where you can not work. Write down meds and everything and throwing some in doesn't hurt.

I hope it works out, just don't give up.... Crew

I have just been denied my "reconsideration"

Initially I just knew i would need a attorny so i Hired one the day i filed my initial paperwork at the social security office .

I was advised by the attorney to list every medical illness i had and was being treated for .. which i did.

Both my Pdoc and Therapist can not believe i have been denied and now a 12 - 18 month wait for a hearing date ... ??????????????

Its hell trying to get some help these days and I get livid when I think about how I have worked all my life and paid taxes yet when I am desperate I cant find help anywhere ...

I hope you have better luck then I and hire an attorney they only take a small percentage amount IF they win your case .. So you have nothing to lose by hiring one .

Good Luck !