does anyone have ssi for mental health reasons?

[melnjones]

If so, what was the application process like? What kind of evidence of disability do they need?

[undergroundpanther]

1. I do

I got on SSI the..First time in the hospital at age 18.
I lost it when I married my ex,divorced him got it back again.The process takes awhile, but if you can find a caseworker or pro bono disability lawyer to help you through the paperwork it will happen faster.You need to gather all the past records of your illness,You need a psychiatrist to declare you are disabled in writing. Get the bills from hospital visits,seeing a shrink,meds,everything .Than get stuff together to show your income status gather your overdue bills,therapist bills,medication receipts,And show what you pay out as rent, utilities and food,etc.Get a up to date bank statement,and fill out the application.If you own a car and it's not a new Lexus often the car will not be counted as an asset by ssi nor will the house you live in and own even if it's paid off. Be absolutely honest and clear about what is asked about income,best to have a caseworker help you because you may be eligible for more than just SSI Medicaid, you might get food stamps too.

Always Xerox everything,and submit it along with the claim form.And wait. wait.wait. Whenever you call the SSI Office be sure to get the names of people you contact and their callback numbers,always keep a log of every interaction you have with social security,and person, the'conversation' and the time,day and date.Keep records of everything be it you mailing out stuff, or you receiving stuff all calls ect..Call your local SSI office and call your lawyer /caseworker occasionally like every two weeks and ask how your case is going. It will happen and it takes time the paperwork is a Royal hassle but it's worth it.

[EFerrari]

2. I helped my ex get it. It was a war of attrition and he needed a lot

of help walking through it. It took about two years.

They ask for statements from doctors. And, they have their own doctors interview you.

If they can shake you off, they will. If I were applying, I'd get a team together to help me.

[Samurai_Writer]

3. My sister is on it

When she was first diagnosed with schizophrenia, we started the process. It took over two years, and she was denied the first time. We had to hire a lawyer who specialized in SSDI.

[Irishonly]

4. My Husband Was Just Approved

We are still in shock. I was expecting a battle as I had one when I applied-not for mental health reasons. His psychiatrist had said we didn't need an advocate or a lawyer and I was very skeptical. this morning we received a phone call. He applied April 16th and was approved this morning. He is diagnosed with bi-polar, PTSD and severe depression.

[EFerrari]

5. Wow! It took me two years to get Doug's. Congrats!

:hi:

[Irishonly]

7. Hi!

:hi: I haven't been on line much. You are a sight for sore eyes. How is life going? It's terrible that Social Security takes so long. I am glad Doug is on it now. For something you pay into to for most of your working life, it seems like SS thinks everyone is trying to get benefits they don't deserve.

My bil was 100% disabled because of depression according to the VA. He first tried SSDI and they denied him. When I talk about vets slipping through the cracks, I am referring to him. In December 2005, he committed suicide, Tim was the one that found the body and cleaned up the mess and that was the trigger that has caused his problems.

In many ways, Tim is kinder and gentler but he is terrified to leave the house. I pray that his disability isn't permanent but all we can do is to keep trying to live life as best we can.

[undergroundpanther]

6. I do

I have been on SSI since I was 18.Except while I was married to my ex for awhile . Than I divorced him and went back on.
So I don't have any work history to speak of.

[Ladyhawk]

8. Yes, I do.

At the time I got it, I was so out of it I don't remember the process. I was told they usually deny you the first time as a knee-jerk reaction, but I was approved.

[Irishonly]

9. Good

I am not sure how it happened but I am the payee for my husband. When I went to the office to fill out the paper work, I was told that my husband's medical records were so complete, the evaluation committee had no question. I wrote a thank you note to his psychiatrist.