This is old but I figured it can't hurt to get the info out there - If it isn't already somewhere on this site...
Yes SSI, SSDI and Security Benefits are all completely different things.
SSDI is certainly something to pursue if you are disabled, but SSI is another story.
For functional people with mental issues like depression, anxiety, ptsd, minor bi-polar, etc, it getting SSI can be one of the most daunting processes.
You need a paper trail from hospitals, doctors, psychologist and psychiatrists.
For people without health care or a job, getting an appointment with a certified shrink is nearly impossible.
For people in the SF Bay, there are a lot of places that offer free mental health help.
Call Mental Health Advocates in North Oakland and make an appt with them.
They can give you a damn thick list of places to go.
Make appointments with those places and see the shrinks.
Make a paper trail - and a damn long one at that.
MHA will help you with filing for SSI. They can even help you apply for SSDI if you qualify for that.
Applying for SSI involves A LOT of paperwork and appts with your advocate, and the majority of applicants get denied right off the bat (MHA will handle it and reapply for you)
But if you stick with it, the money can be a life saver down the road, when you're approved.
To anyone with mental health issues interested in applying for SSI:
Do it!
&
Good luck!