Perhaps you should look at disability as a temporary neccesity just until you are well enough to find work again, and not give yourself a hard time. I have been on disability since just after Christmas time but have been out of work since June last year due to bipolar illness. I am now looking forward to starting a part time job which I will be able to do whilst still claiming (UK) so things can and do improve.
I would take ILADVOCATE's advice - I know when you are unwell it seems complicated and overwhelming to attempt it on your own so have you got a CPN or support worker? they should be able to help you do all of these things. This is how I made it through the maze of benefits. You shouldn't have to do it on your own. :)
You need to collect medical evidence from your psychiatrist and doctors that explains in exact terms why you are unable to work. Also you should explain why you are unable to work at your place of employment so you can resign due to your disability and are not terminated as that would stay on your record. If you have enough work quarters (Social Security terminology for having worked enough time) you could be eligible for SSDI. One place that might help you with the application process is your local independent living center:
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
Thanks everybody for replying.
I've worked 4 years, but with a constant struggle. A while ago I got injured and everything broke loose. Before I even started working I was considering disability, but didn't get it due to no doctor funds. SSA would not of believed me. One diagnosis led to another. I was diagnosed bipolar. I've always dealt with the high mind states, and manic depression. Also anxiety/panic attacks. It has controlled my life and believe it or not, it has left me single in the dark, and thousands of miles away from family. I'm just at a loss, and I haven't worked since late February. I haven't even called work due to my anxiety/panic. Calling doctors is the same thing. I just don't know what to do...
It appears that although I was just diagnosed last year, I struggled with bipolar since my childhood. It caused a lot of problems in my life that are now just starting to make sense to me. I am working full time and I support my family. It is difficult for me since it appears my bipolar has gotten more sever recently in certain aspects, (although less sever in other aspects.) So, working is a challenge. However, I want to be functioning for as long as possible. Even if this particular job becomes too much for me, I hope there is another job out there that would be workable with my disability.
I know people on disability and it is not that great. You do not get enough money to support yourself, and since people with disabilities often need to see a lot of doctors, that makes it harder due to the expenses.
I would think that you'd have to be incredibly unstable to be accepted for disability. Also, to receive SSDI, you'll have had to work in the past. You can't get Disability w/o having paid into the system.
I'm on SSI for my chronic migrianes/secondary depression/bi-polar, but it's a huge cocktail. As I've never worked and became disabled before I could ever hold a job, I can only get the SSI and not SSDI.
Disability/SSI should NOT be the ultimate goal. If you can support yourself, that would be SO MUCH better than being on disability. It's really restrictive to be disabled and there are lots of restrictions, reevaluations, etc. to go through.
I would consult with your psych as to whether they believe that you would be qualified for Disability before you file as your docs' records will be requested to prove that you're disabled.
Good luck,
~Dame
Was on it for schizoaffective disorder and now would qualify because I have advanced tardive dystonia. However if you receive disability for bipolar and at any point want to try to transition back to work there are work incentives programs. You could find out more on the website ssa.gov. If you are just applying there is information there on how to go about that process as well.