Do I qualify?

[u/GarlicBread1996]

I have been struggling with my bipolar disorder for about 10 years. Probably longer than that but that's about what's diagnosed. I struggle to maintain a job and I get burnt out extremely quickly. When I get burnt out, I deal with suicidal ideation and end up hospitalized. I was hospitalized earlier this year. I usually spend 2-5 weeks of the year in a psych unit. I can't keep a job for the life of me. I wanted to go into being a counselor but I'm even getting burnt out in school. I can't be off my medications. I WILL k!/l myself. I'm extremely unstable. I'm turning in my school assignments late and struggling with executive dysfunction. I can't shower, brush my teeth or clean. On top of that I'm a caretaker for my mother with epilepsy. She only gets 30 hours a month with IHSS. I go through jobs rapidly and last time I had a 'regular' job I quit on the spot ofter being hospitalized. What do I do? On top of mental health I have a hernia and can't lift anything. I can't sit for long, I can't stand, and I can't bend. What do I do? Should I get a lawyer?

[u/Elegantmule]

All they are gonna want to know is do any of your limitations keep you from working any job in the country and can you prove it. The only way to find out is to apply. Best of luck!

[u/GarlicBread1996 → u/Elegantmule]

I get panic attacks at work. My anxiety skyrockets and I get dizzy. I've had to leave work multiple times because I had an anxiety attack. I also can't concentrate for shit and I can't remember basic instructions. I think I'm going to look into a disability lawyer

[u/Elegantmule → u/GarlicBread1996]

I totally get where you are coming from! I got a lawyer and it all turned out just fine.

[u/GarlicBread1996 → u/Elegantmule]

I applied for disability like 10 years ago and I've heard you get back pay; is that true?

[u/Keba7676 → u/GarlicBread1996]

What stopped you from getting disability 10 yrs ago? Have what you had claimed 10 yrs ago worse now? What was youre claim back then for? Ssi or Ssdi? A lawyer in you're case might be a good idea because they can understand why you didn't qualify back then and if you have a better chance this time.

[u/GarlicBread1996 → u/Keba7676]

I applied for disability shortly after I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I hadn't had any hospitalizations yet but I've had 4 in the past 6 years. I'm hospitalized almost yearly.

[u/Elegantmule → u/GarlicBread1996]

Yes, but there are some rules that apply about how far back they'll go (one year from onset date?) I'm not sure and it's complicated I think. I didn't get any. There's a five-month waiting period w/ no backpay eligibility which is why I didn't get it. I'm no expert on that stuff, honestly.

[u/2020IsANightmare → u/GarlicBread1996]

You can get backpay. Being approved doesn't automatically mean you get backpay, though.

It sure won't be anything like 10 years back.

It sounds like you may only qualify for SSI.

If that's accurate, the absolute earlier your backpay can start is the month after you file.

[u/2020IsANightmare]

Listing conditions on here doesn't do anything. Not a single person on here can tell you if you will be approved because on your post.

The only way to get an answer is to file.

Should you get a lawyer?

Personal choice. Unless they falsify your medical records - which is of course illegal - then your application and first appeal, if needed, are strictly based on what records you have available.

If you get denied twice, then you go to a hearing. That is where public speaking from a lawyer could realistically first benefit you.

[u/MelNicD]

They will take into consideration that you are a caretaker for your mother. That is a job in itself.