Posted by Catling on March 13, 2013, at 18:19:26
In reply to apply, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 14:34:19
> after a close friend has continually lost job after job because of bipolar/manic depression (1) at what point should she apply for disability--i myself struggle with ocd and soft bipolar but have been able to work...until recent layoff
She should apply as soon as she feels capable. The process can be long. When I got on it about 2 years ago I worked with an advocate - someone who typically handles appeals. They work on a contingency basis, so if you don't get approved it doesn't cost you anything. Because they knew the right language and stuff to use, I was approved in probably 3 months from the day I walked into their office. In contrast, when my father applied because of his bipolar twenty years ago, it took 3 years and a team of lawyers to finally get him on. The process has gotten easier, but it's still best to get a professional to do it for you, if you can. The paperwork is daunting and because we live with our illnesses it isn't always apparent to us how debilitated we are or how much our illness impacts our everyday lives, particularly if we have been struggling a long time.
All of that said, she needs her doctors to be on her side because they will have to be willing to say she is unable to work right now. Even though her work history would bear that out, that needs to be the official verdict.
Best of luck to your friend,
Cat
poster:Catling
thread:1040225
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130308/msgs/1040259.html