l'm so sorry ivybelle have you tried looking at this link before...

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Bipolar_Disorder/advice/8224882-advice-link-free-health

look at reply 22 but see whatever could help you, don't give up.

I'm not familiar with things today but keep trying.

So sorry about that. I am sure it is frustrating. I just started the process and am nervous about how it is gonna go. Good luck with the appeal, and keep us posted.
Much love.

You'll need a good lawyer, and lots of medical records to back up your case.

Your on the right track. I have helped five people including myself get on SSI, but I am a paralegal so had some advantage. It is my experience that, they deny you twice, then u have to appear before a judge, who rarely turns down the case. He knows that if u made it that far, you are in true use of it. Right now things are a little different though our new President, is trying to cut down on SSI cases, so a Good Attorney is a very good advice, one that specializes in it, and they are out there, so don't just settle for the first one that u come accross. As well, don't just take a suck up, call the better business bureau and investigate him as well. Know who ur dealing with. If the case is bipolar, sorry it was not stated, then hang in there, and don't give up no matter how long it takes, I had one take up to three years, but he got a nice hefty back check to go with it. Yes, the Attorney is going to get is one third of what u get, but you get the health insurance with it, and that can be worth millions when ur looking for a good therapist, and/or psychiatrist. So hang in there, and best wishes to you. If I can help in anyway, just leave me a note and I will get back to you a.s.a.p. Good Luck and hang in there. Kase

I went thru allsup.com

thee have a form on their website now that you can immediately see if it is worth ypu while or not to try for it. Attorneys are a good way to got oo

Thank you guys! I have investigated this law firm and they spcialize in SS so I'm hoping that they will take my case. I'm kind of nervous about that but I guess all I can do is ask. Yes Kase, it's for bipolar and I really appreciate the advise. It's good to kind of know what to expect. And yes, I really could use the health insurance part of it since my bills are getting completely out of hand. Thanks again and if anyone knows any more about the process I'd really appreciate it!

I could write you a short book about it....generally, most people get denied when they first apply. then, most often, you file an appeal. And even then a lot of people still get denied. Many applications go on to a court hearing, which is your third try. Most often, if you're going to get approved, that is when it will happen. Unfortunately, that whole process can take a couple of years. The most weight is carried by your past medical history...the more you have, especially the last two or three years, the better your chances....and the ace up your sleeve, is to get a letter of recomendation, assessment, etc. from your primary doctor. That is what they pay most attention to.
I had to wait 3 1/2 freakin' years, mainly because I had very little medical history. But I'm glad I stuck with it, or I would be way up a creek right now. If you have more questions, just give me a hollar.
((( hugs ))) and Good Luck!!!

If you didn't work enough credits for SSDI and you don't make enough for SSI, they may just keep denying you & not because you aren't disabled... It is so strange like that. The lawyers would know... I honestly didn't think I worked enough.. but I did, I am on the low level but I qualified. I do not currently qualify for SSI, although maybe now with them being strange about my son's SSI, and us not getting it - maybe I do now? We were on the border, either for him or for me... wait I think it was for him. Ack it is all confusing. I was lucky and approved within 2 months.. but I seriously didn't think that would happen because I didn't think I worked enough credits. The only thing I wanted was Medicaid in case my husband lost his job and I didn't want to be without meds & I told my worker that flat out... and I didn't get medicaid - hahaha so funny like that. I now am on Medicare, so I guess that worked out. Sad we have to resort to that for medical coverage... my biggest fear is being without meds and stuck in a hospital away from my kids, because I cannot raise them like that. Anyways - But if there is someway you qualify - I really hope it happens soon and painless.. :-)