Document,  Document,  Document,  Document.

Then Get all your doctors to  Document.

Then go to SSDI and speak with a real person.  They will do everything
they can but need  Document's.

I guess you know that SSI and SSDI are different animals with different
requirement.  Start collection of pay stubs  ( Documents) and  read all
the booklets SSI provides.  

It is a lot of work.  Take it slow!

Bill

Find a local lawyer who specializes in Social Security - and only takes
those cases, and only charges a fee if your claim is successful.  SS has a
strict limit on what they can charge, and it can save you a year or more of
waiting - it is well worth it.  They know all the qualifications, and
exactly what documentation will meet the requirements.

Turn-downs vary by state and by regions within a state.  You need it sooner
rather than later, so let the expert do it.  The reviewers tend to punish
you for filing more than they want to see, and they are simply looking for a
checklist of items and degrees of debilitation.  The attorneys who don't get
paid unless they get you through the maze will work to make it happen as
quickly as possible, and they have the experience that you don't.

Typically, the claim will take long enough to process that there are back
payments owed, and paid in a lump sum if and when you qualify.  The fees set
by SS are deducted from that sum, and sent directly to the lawyer, and you
won't se or miss them (but will get a full accounting of them).

Good luck.