I recently applied for disability dueto my bipolar disorder which prevents me from holding down a job. I am completely clueless to the whole process other than from what I read it takes a really long time.
My application was accepted on feb. 1. I had my phone interview about 2 weeks ago. Now what? I asked the very nice lady that did my phone interview but I didn't get an answer.

Did you find the sticky threads up near the top of the forum?
You might find some helpful tips.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread148967.html

There doctors will review your claim and that could take alittle time. It took mine over 4 months. Until then they are suppose to obtain any information from your doctors while you continue your doctor office visits. Most people are denied the first time and the appeal ,depending on where you live,might take 1-2 yrs. During that time you should acquire the services of an attorney who could answer any of your questions. This all depend of a denial . There is the chance you could be approved the first time.

i to was denied the first time but it took me about 3months to get reapproved.but he's right,it depends on where you live.

hi allie,iam also collecting ssdi for bi-polar disorder and yes it can take some time to get approved if your approved.with the current back-log of disibility cases pending,it can be a long drawn out process with many denials and appeals before you can win benefits,and that's if you win.be patient,and gather all of your medical records and any medications you are takeing so that you will have all the neccessary information to support your disibility claim.hope this helps.

Do not be discouraged. If you've keep good records (appointments, meds, med changes, negative med side-effects, etc.) and have strong support from your psychologist and/or psychiatrist, you will not necessarily get denied on the first try. While it was several years ago, I was approved three months after my first application for bipolar disorder. I had all my ducks in a row, worked on the application in small pieces, and had terrific letters from the professionals that specifically enunciated BD's impact on activities of daily living. Since being approved for SSDI, I've had the best years of my adult life--I simply could not handle the stresses of the working world. I still have my ups and downs (like the ups better), but life is so much easier! Hang in there, many of us (~40 percent) get approved on the first try.

[QUOTE=Alliebaby75;869181]I recently applied for disability dueto my bipolar disorder which prevents me from holding down a job. I am completely clueless to the whole process other than from what I read it takes a really long time.
My application was accepted on feb. 1. I had my phone interview about 2 weeks ago. Now what? I asked the very nice lady that did my phone interview but I didn't get an answer.[/QUOTE

One suggestion would be to go to their web site for general information. If you can hire a social security disability attorney to represent you, it may be helpful if you get denied this first time. There are attorneys based on income in some states.

Everyone I have known that has been awarded SSDI has a different story. I was denied by letters three times but I kept asking for it. I was fortunate to have an attorney represent me who was from Legal Aid and did not take any percentage. Some attorneys do.

One thing that is very important is to have your history of doctors you have seen, medications you have taken, history of unemployment due to illness. It is important that is complete and all of this well documented.

Some states have social workers that can help you with the process.

You may or may not get a letter of denial, but you have the choice to continue to ask for a hearing.

The time can be different for each person. Some people get SSDI awarded rather quickly. For me it took 3 years. Others less than a year.

Social Security has booklets about SSDI and SSI.

It does take time to read and learn what it is all about. It can be complicated.

I am also working on receiving ssdi for bipolar and borderline personality disorder. I have no idea how to use these forums, but I have so many questions. One big problem I am having is the wording on the function report. Talk about anxiety....

I won my SSI and my VA battles. I learned that you have to make it impossible for them to say no. You have to make the evidence clear and undeniable. Get letters from anyone who can verify your issues. Also, never say one positive word in your claim or to your doctors because they will twist it and use it as a reason to deny your claim. They will see the positive word then stop reading your file and send a denial letter quoting the positive word.

It can also go against you wither they twist it or not. Reason why I always stress to obtain copies of your doctors NOTES along w/the med repts.
When the physician starts "chit chatting" = "shooting the breeze" w/you, be very very careful what you say if you are trying to collect SSI & SSDI!!!! Every word is taken down (in some cases recorded) in their NOTES.