What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana
I was diagnosed with Bi-polar when I was about 18. As I've gotten older (I'm 59 now) it has gotten worse. I haven't worked for the last 20 years. Does this mean that I will be disqualified automatically? Are there ever instances where someone was approved even though they didn't have the amount of credits they needed?
Are there situations where the 10 year history requirement is waived??
The 40 credit (10 year work) requirement is integral to entitlement. So no, it is never waived for SSDI. Although for younger individuals, the work requirement is less.
What was the last day you did work (month/year)? How much work did you do before that? How many years did you work in the 10 year period before that? It is possible (although difficult) to file a claim at age 59 and allege on onset date of the day you last worked 20 years ago. But you will need to provide the names and addresses of all medical sources dated 20 years ago and hope that the medical records are not only available but also that they show that you had a severe problem 20 years ago. Your diagnosis at age 19 is not really material because even you say your condition has gotten worse over time. How detailed are the medical records from age 39 when you stopped work? The medical records have to support all the statements you make about your condition as it was 20 years ago. This will not be easy and there may not be enough evidence to find and the evidence that is found may not provide sufficient details. SSA will make two requests for records and then will stop looking. So maybe you should do the footwork first and get copies of these old records so you can submit them with the claim.
Or just file an SSI claim, although you also have to prove your income and resources are low enough to qualify.
Are you widowed? It is possible that you could qualify as a disabled widow/widower on a deceased spouse.
If you haven't filed a claim, you should do so now. You own SSDI claim is a real longshot, but you won't have an answer unless you apply. SSA can try to sort this out and obtain your old medical records, but that doesn't always work out well. But you should get started and you should apply.
