Benefits for people for BPD

[Hydroman]

My wife has bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder-diagnosed 3 years ago.   We have 3 children (5,7,9 yrs old).  When we decided to have children, my wife stopped working, the plan was for her to return to work when they all 3 were in elementary school which is now.   Little did we know at that time she had BPD and bipolar.   Now, she really can't hold a job, is in and out of the hospital.   Bipolar qualifies for social security disability but you have to have worked 5 of the past 10 years.  Being my wife took off while our children were young, she doesn't qualify for that-social security administration won't budge on that requirement which I deem a little discriminatory for women who choose to be stay at home moms while children are young.   I make decent money but living in northern Virginia, the cost of living and houseing is very high.   I make "too much" for many of the programs out there but we live paycheck to paycheck-especially given all the medical expenses from this. 

Does anyone know what other federal/state/county programs might be avaliable?  I welcome any suggestions.  I've been looking but am fairly new at this, some of you have probably gone through this and know the programs already (if there are any). 

Hydroman

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[enigma58]

Hydroman, apply for Supplemental Social Security Benefits (SSI), through Social Security Administration.

You do not have to have worked to qualify.  Based on meeting criteria, your spouse would seem to at least partially meet qualifications.

[SweetCharlotte]

I would focus on helping her find work that she can handle. There are many things that can be done online or at home (legitimate jobs—I am not suggesting anything sultry or shady). I know a lot of women who can't quite get back into the work force but make money with blogs, Etsy sales, etc. I don't recommend Mary Kay or any product that requires you to invest before making money. In other words, beware of scams!

Since you are close to Washington, DC, there are many newsletters and other publications (covering government, rulings, etc.) that are mainly written from home. She could get involved with one of these newsletters in some capacity.

I wouldn't give up on her finding some sort of employment. That would do a lot for her self esteem. She could start small, with babysitting/nannying for a working couple for some hours. Or even run a home daycare center for a few kids.