[Angelwngs25]

I want to get a job at the PetSmart down the street from me really bad because I love animals. What do I say to them to ensure that I get the job because I have been fired from 3 previous employers because of my mental illness. And I want to ensure that if they hire me they know that I have some mental issues. What can I tell them to ensure that they give me the job because I am disabled?

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm unsure Angel

I really don't want to say something here that isn't appropriate.

So I can only tell you a story about myself:

Most future employers do not care if you have MI in an interview.

It's not their problem.

And they may perceive it as being a barrier for employing you.

Of course this isn't allowed.

It's discrimination.

But there's nothing stopping them from ranking you incorrectly in the selection process due to biasm (subconsciously of course).

If it REALLY is something you wish to disclose -

No harm having some discussion around some strategies you would like to use at work to help you remain as productive as possible.

Originally Posted by Angelwngs25

What can I tell them to ensure that they give me the job because I am disabled?

I'm confused by this question. It may just be the way you worded it. No employer is going to give you a job simply BECAUSE you are disabled. That may not be what you are intending to ask. I'm hoping what you meant to ask is "What can I tell them to ensure that if they find me to be a candidate for the job, they will not exclude me from it on the basis of my disability?" Is that what you meant?

Technically, they are not allowed to ask you about any disabilities during the interview process. They can only ask about disabilities that truly would exclude from doing the job. For instance, if the job requires a person to be able to regularly lift 50lbs., they have the right to ask if that would be a physical limitation for a job candidate. Therefore, IF your disability comes up, it should only come up under that kind of circumstance OR if YOU actually bring it up yourself.

I do suspect if you choose to bring it up during the interview process, they may exclude you as a candidate based on some other factor to cover themselves. The better route to take is to get hired on your qualifications. Once hired, you can go to human resources and discuss specific accommodations that may be needed for your disability at that point. Those accommodations can help protect you from being fired purely on the basis of your disability; it won't completely prevent getting fired (no one is completely immune to losing a job no matter what their disability), but it will require better due process on their part.

[avlady]

i would not tell them, unless they ask but someone here said they are not allowed to ask. i would go to the interview if i were you and see how it goes, you won't know until you try. good luck!!!

[pegasus]

Some application forms ask if you have a disability. Unless you are registered as disabled, you do not need to let your employer know. I would not disclose the information unless you feel it would affect your work.

[berthegel]

Originally Posted by Angelwngs25

I want to get a job at the PetSmart down the street from me really bad because I love animals. What do I say to them to ensure that I get the job because I have been fired from 3 previous employers because of my mental illness. And I want to ensure that if they hire me they know that I have some mental issues. What can I tell them to ensure that they give me the job because I am disabled?

Hello , I am in the UK , so it might be different but I applied for borough council job and we have certain employment laws against discrimination( US prob has local gov employee) and I told them , and still got the job , and I once told a private company i had health problems but still got job , I think if they are a fair company they will give everyone a chance , I tried to say things like I have depression but I took up a new hobby or college course to use my time constructively .
Bye berthegel

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

I'm confused by this question. It may just be the way you worded it. No employer is going to give you a job simply BECAUSE you are disabled. That may not be what you are intending to ask. I'm hoping what you meant to ask is "What can I tell them to ensure that if they find me to be a candidate for the job, they will not exclude me from it on the basis of my disability?" Is that what you meant?

Yes. The way you phrased the question is what I meant to say. Thank you.

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Some application forms ask if you have a disability. Unless you are registered as disabled, you do not need to let your employer know. I would not disclose the information unless you feel it would affect your work.

I am on SSDI so yes the SSA considers me officially disabled. So yes I am registered as disabled I guess you could say.

[Hexagram]

Don't disclose your mental illness to a prospective employer. Also, be aware that earning over a very low threshold can disqualify you from receiving SSDI and Medicare:

Generally, you can't start doing "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. In a nutshell, SGA means you are working and making more than $1,090 per month (or $1,820 if you're blind). There are exceptions to this rule, however.

Can you work while receiving Social Security benefits?

[cakeladie]

There is a difference between SSDI and SSI. SSDI is for people who have worked for a while and have paid into that program. SSI is for people that do not really have a work history or they do not meet the standards of SSDI. SSI if for people who do not have any work history or very little work history. You can work and still qualify for SSI. However if you are receiving SSI and you go to work you need to notify them. They will not close your case but you have to turn in your paycheck stubs to your local SSA office. Depending on how much you make will depend on if you will still get money form SSI. If you make to much, they will not give you money but has long has you continue to turn in your paycheck stubs they will keep your case open. The reason they do that is in case you stop working you do not have to wait to have your SSA reinstated. You just call and say you no longer are working. Does this make sense?

Example: My son has autism and mild retardation, however he works in a flower shop 5 days a week. He works around 25-30 hours a week depending on whats going on. He has an open case with SSI. I turn in his paycheck stubs every other month. I do this because if he was to loose his job his SSI would kick right in. If I stopped turning in those paycheck stubs then they would drop him from the SSI program.

He has worked off and on since he was 16 he will be 25 this year. He did not have enough work history to qualify for SSDI.

Some applications do ask if you have a disability. The reason being is that if they hire someone with a disability they can get a extra tax break. Walmart hires a lot of people with disabilities because of the tax break and the cheap labor. TJ Maxx, CVS also hires people with disabilities for the same reasons.

[Sad_Chelsea]

I've only had two jobs in my life, both have been long term jobs. My first employer was aware of my disabilities and took advantage of me for this reason. I haven't told my current employer exact details about my disabilities. I'm sure my boss and co-workers are aware I have some type of health problem as I take a lot of time off work for doctors appointments. However, I don't particularly see any benefit or reason to share specific information that isn't really anyone's business anyway.

The main problem I have when it comes to finding work is I never have any work references. I have screwed up a lot and have performance issues that are bad enough I can't think of anyone who would give me a glowing recommendation.