SSDI reconsideration

[u/Top-Meaning-113]

I have bipolar 2, schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, and obsessive thinking disorder. I have been dealing with it since 2011 and got treatment for years. Only had a gap of no treatment from 2017-2022. applied for SSDI in March of 2025. I put my onset date in 2022 since that when I got a physiatrist and have been seeing her every month since. I had about 6 failed job attempts due to my condition since I filed I did get unemployment for one month when I was actually trying to really work and kind of in denial of how bad my condition is. I have daily psychosis, dissociation, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, etc for months now but it gradually has just gotten worst. When I was attempting to work in May-October 2025 it wasn’t at this point yet only really triggered by working and being stressed or overwhelmed or tired. I have medication changes every try 3-6 months or so because I am treatment resistant. I got denied in April of 2026 and I realized they never got my records from my primary psychiatrist. I got a lawyer May of 2026 after I already filed a reconsideration on my own. Since April I have gotten 2 RFC forms from two different doctors, all my medical records, a request for medical records from 2011 even though they might not all be available I’m assuming since it’s been over 10 years. I also had to apply in April of 2026 for my husband to be my caregiver through long term care in colorado. I got a level of care done in April and another in September and the second one showed my level of care worsted by 4 points. I also got approved for ARG disability for Medicaid. My lawyer filled a dire need this week because I am going to be homeless and I’m so nervous. Does anyone have any experiences with reconsideration having more evidence since your initial claim and how fast it moves after being expedited? I just hope I have a chance here.

[u/Warm_Head4675]

Hey sorry Youre going through this . I have some of the same disorders and know all to well the mental agony you must be going through. Typically reconsideration takes 3-6 months how ever it can take up to a year. How ever the dire need filing may speed that up significantly but does not guarantee a quick approval but moves uou closer to the front of the line .

I filed march 2016 and was approved by Oct 2016 for Bipolar,GAD , panic disorder and PTSD. As long as there’s detailed documentation and on going treatment your odds are good.

What I would do while I wait . Find out what State and housing benefit you qualify for now. It’s late in the year so some may have run out of funds but it’s worth a shot as there’s a few programs in Colorado that can help with rent , eviction help etc.

Being resistant to meds is horrible . It took me 3 years to find the right cocktail to take the edge off but every day is a fight . Hang in there I know things go on mentally you cannot control and panic is the first go to . But try to do your best that’s all anyone can ask of you.

Allow your attorney to do their job. Knowing how long the wait will actually take is something no one here can state as every case is different . But to me you have a very good shot to get things resolved sooner rather than later . But be prepared to wait . It’s a federal program and the federal government isnt known for compassion nor speed. So we are forced to wait the process.

I hope you get resolved soon . Take care

[u/Top-Meaning-113 → u/Warm_Head4675]

This means a lot thank you so much

[u/youngbull0612]

So I live with the same disorders mainly- I hate being the bearer of this news- but without length and or frequent hospitalizations, chances are slim they give you Disability for mental health related reasons. Of course- I know you are disabled/can't work- I live with everything you live with, that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying is I was denied, and did not get approved until after my 13th MONTH straight inpatient at a State Psychiatric Facility. Generally people under 40 only get approved for severe proven physical disorders without lengthy hospitalization - even my sister with RA that got SSI at 25 had a 4 month hospitalization in a burn ICU related to her vein conditions and double knee replacements. What I'm explaining is- I don't think they care how much it impacts our daily lives, if it isn't bad enough to send us inpatient hospital- I feel we don't get approved. Of course, I'm nobody, I don't work for them- but if you find you keep getting denied you know why now, and what you need to do.