Existing in the real world and SS

I've been recently diagnosed with bip[olar. I am 35 lost my job and been arrested. I have been medicating my disease for a long time now. I have no friends and don't seem to really want any. I have had a job ever since I was 15. My last one for 4 years. I was wondering what requirements for social security benefits I might qualify for. My wife has not been very understanding of my illness but I think that is because it is because all that I have put her through. We also have seven children. I take alot of medicine and am still getting straightened out on that. They mostly just make me sleepy and have poor concentration. I was also in a mental hospital for a few days to get my mind right. Any suggestions or advice to keep me afloat for a few days would be preshed.
T

In California you apply for social security and they turn you down. Usually after the second or third denial you get an attorney that specializes in social security and they get it for you. They take their fees out of your retroactive pay. The key to social security benefits is proving you are not able to work because of your disability. It also takes a long time. Usually at least a year.

I'm not sure how the other states work.

Hugs,
MG

[Dreamer2]

This is the way it works in Maryland. You apply for SSDI benefits, and you are most always turned down the first time, I guess to weed out the ones who do not really need help, and won't bother to appeal. You will need a good disability lawyer. Some people try to do it on their own, but I strongly advise getting an attorney. I do believe that you have a better chance as they know what SSA is looking for, how to word it.

One important thing is to have your doctor's on your side. If you are in therapy, taking meds for depression, the fact that you were let go from your job b/c of this illness is important. Also the fact that you were hospitalized is very important.

When in a chronic state of depression, you do have problems with concentration, thinking, can't complete tasks, no energy, etc and the attorney will do it all for you when you provide them with all the info they will need. Depression can be a dibilatating illness, I know.

Just my opinion. Ive been there. My dh didn't understand my illness either which was a bit different from yours. I have physical problems as well.

I know people don't take this seriously unless they have experienced it first hand. This is rough. It's almost like you don't look disabled, so it's all in your mind...right? They just have no clue. I wish you the best and hope you have started this process already. It does take time.