Applying for SSI

Thought I'd start this to show how my personal adventure goes with this. A disability specialist looked at my file from my therapist and said it was worth pursuing, he's been doing it for 15 years so I don't know what to think. I have my first phone interview with SSA in a couple of weeks. The whole thing stresses me out, like I need anymore of that. I'm supposed to have an evaluation down next month at my therapist's office, but in the past therapists have told me I have major depressive, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and my current therapist said psychosis/psychotic disorder NOS. I have a feeling BPD might surface as well. It has significant impact on my daily life so we'll see how things go. Not looking forward to it but I'll keep you posted.

Try as best as you can to do it on your own at first. I did this, all over the internet on their website and a few phone interviews and some paperwork through the mail, and I got approved within 3 months of applying for the first time. Make sure to make yourself sound as pathetic as possible. But don't lie. If you have any questions let me know. It shouldn't be too stressful.

I applied two years ago on my own and got denied. I have representation to make sure forms are done correctly and deadlines are met. I couldn't even manage that on my own. In fact most days are a blur for me. Lost time, thoughts of not knowing who I really am or what I'm doing here. I can imagine that speaks volumes on its own.

Also I've a couple therapists that seem to see what is wrong with me, and like I said next month I'll have an evaluation done which will provide some confirmation and perhaps bring to light stuff that wasn't previously diagnosed. I see a psychiatrist for medication, however I've never really talked to her about stuff like I do with therapists. Is that going to be an issue? I read that SSA couldn't care less for what a therapist says, but rather what a psychiatrist says.

Often your therapist works with your psychiatrist. A therapist isn't qualified to diagnose as far as I know and don't make much impact. My lawyer didn't even use my therapists notes when I filed for disability. Also, a major help is having a Dr or psych state that you're unable to work. If you've never worked I'm not sure what they go off. The phone call I got was no big deal - just basic questions. I have ssdi and they went back 3 yrs on medical paperwork and 15 yrs on employment. I don't think I would have been able to do it without a lawyer. They take 25% of your back pay. Mine was approved in 6 mo but the economy was better.

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All I can stay is keep an eye on your stress level....the process can get quite stressful so certainly do your best to manage the possible stress, trying to go through it myself and its not easy. Not trying to discourage but yeah its not a fun process but it is nessisary if you can't work and need income.