I applied to disability a while back (Iam getting long term disability through work). They denied me. I got a lawyer and we are fieghting it. I guess this is usual.
I can't work like this either. Doc agrees. Says there is no reason I shouldn't get it. I am hoping for the best.

I receive long term disability for my bipolar illness through the Ontario government. Mind you I also have epilepsy and severe crippling arthritic. I also am legally blind.

Man Testy, I thought I had it bad. :)

Last time hosp. I was not able to go back to work. Worked in Ins/IBM for 25 yrs total. Earned enough to get fairly good bene amt. Got denied twice, hired lawyer, then 1 1/2 yrs. later got awarded. Good lawyer and Dr. was reason-documentation there was clearly awarded decision. It did take a long time but worth it in the end. Now I need to wait 2 mos. to get check and back payment. Thats the Govemt for you. Joked that I should have just gotten pregnant and lived off the system. Just give me what I earned. Can you tell this is a touchy subject for me. Sorry so long.

That is what I hear that it takes a long time. At least I get disability through work until then. But pdoc has to send in proof ever few months.

I've talked to my pdoc about applying but I know it is a long process. Just have to watch late night TV to find a lawyer but be selective. I've heard that some community case workers can help fill out the paperwork.

If you ever can't sleep just try reading about SSID at their web site:
http://www.social-security-disability-claims.org/
Good Luck!

computer: where you from? I have a really good lawyer but he is in Madison WI.
Hubby and I filled out paperwork. Hope we got it right.

i'm on disability for bipolar. have been for two and a half years. mostly because i can't work enough to support myself and go to schol at the same time.
it takes a while so apply now. i was told it was odd that i got it the first time i applied. so i guess i'm lucky.
but they start your benifits from the time you applied. so once you get them you get a pretty big check for the past few months.
if you go the disability rout, watch out for people who think it's not a real disability and it's all in your head.

Theresa, I am from Utah. Been up late and TV has a lot of ads for disability lawyers here.

Also, not sure if all but I think so, they do not get paid if you don't win. Also, there is a cap on what they can make, 25% or $5,250? which ever is higher amt. Check this out too, I don't believe it is state regulated I think it is Fed. reg. You may want to jot down questions to ask. Hope this helps.

That was teh wrong link I pu tin my comment above. That was actually a lawyer referral. Sorry.
This shoulld be the SSI
http://igoto.co.uk/n0s

It is easy for me because I got the referral from my father in law. It is nice to know of someone who has used and succeeded with a lawyer.

I've been on SSDI for about 3 years now. It took a year and a half to get. Denied the first time. Got a lawyer and was accepted. My suggestion to anyone is to start early and get a lawyer.
peace, t

Applying is the easy part of course. After that you get a decision from the Feds as to whether you are approved or not. As long as you have a doctor's note on professional stationary with the Doc's letterhead containing a statement that you have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder they can't refuse you. BD is an incurable disability.
Good luck and God speed.

...cont.

forgot to add the length of processing time in my case was 6 months. They denied me the first time and I immediately appealed.