Both my Dr's want me to file for disability

My addictions Dr. has been pushing me to file for disability for months now, and yesterday I raised the subject with my psychiatrist, and his enthusiasm for it, kind of took me aback. He said he would be fully supportive, and even suggested for filling for CPP (permanent) disability when I just want to file for ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Payments) because you can still work part time while on ODSP.

This feels like a huge step back for me, because it's finally admitting I'm not going to be able to go back to work full time any time soon.

But since both Dr's are onboard, I'm going to start the application process. I'll probably call the social assistance office tomorrow.

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In 2012, my primary care doctor surprised me by saying I should apply. I had just failed at another job and was depressed over it. He said, "You've tried long enough." I still wonder how he knew what he knew. The progress notes from the pdocs must have painted a worse picture than I would have expected.

So I called around to law firms. Their main interest seemed to be in whether I had doctors supporting me in applying. I got approved in 3 months, which is astonishing, eapecially given that I was functioning okay off the job.

Like you, I thought it was a huge step. I totally could not see where I was not employable. The improvement in my state of mind, however, since not having chronic income insecurity, has been dramatic. So you might want to listen to your doctors. Sometimes we are too much in our own situation to be able to see it.

In the U.S. the longer you put off applying, while not working, the more adverse an impact it can have on the size of your benefit, potentially. So consider than. Here, anyway, they average your annual incomes. More time out of work brings that average down. I know nothing about your system, but your doctors may be mindful of more than you realize.

File for the max. (((hug)))

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I finally gave in and filled for disability. It took a lot of pressure off of me. It does mean living on a fixed income but it was worth it.

(((hugs)))) It is a tough mental decision, for sure... it means you have faced that you truly ARE disabled. That can be heart-wrenching, I know it was for me.

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Nobody has been trying harder than you

Thanks everyone.

Unaluna - that's what my addictions Dr. say - I keep trying to get back into the workforce and relapse sooner than later, although I don't think that's the case now.

Eskielover, I'm hoping my application goes through quickly, I think I'm like you and manage ok, except for when it comes to trying to manage my part time Job.

Oh and Ontario, ODSP isn't liked to prior year income. It's done in fixed bocks, X for rent, Y for basic living expenses and food, I think you can get transportation money if you're volunteering somewhere. And they let you work part time while on, just clawing back a portion of your earnings over a fixed amount.

JD - You're right I'm having a huge emotionally hard time with all of this. It kind of feels like I'm giving up.

But then again, my current housemate was on it for 6 years, But after loosing a lot of weignt, she suddenly had all this evergy and started looking for a job like crazy, and shes now working full time. So I know it doesn't have to be forever.

I've started the process and am now waiting for them to have me go into an office, with all financial documents, and do the full income eligibility assessment. Don't know when that will be.

In the meantime, one of my brothers is helping me out financially, since I can't live on my part time job alone.

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It doesn't have to be forever, especially if you are younger. I am 58 and my husband retired, so I sort of gave up and filed. My "people" from SSDI did ask if this was all my doctor's idea or mine. It was my doctor's. I did have a lawyer but was approved in a few months so didn't need them (but I would highly recommend one).
It was VERY hard for me to feel "disabled". My t and I are working on this very label right now. I am 58 so I tell people I am "early retired" to be with my husband who retired and is now working from home. No one asks if I am on disability. I am a bit ashamed of it, tbh. BUT this does not mean anyone else should be. If you need it, you do.

Hi. I'm also applying for disability in the US. I tried to hold down a job and my employer did try to work with me somewhat but I just couldn't handle it. I know that I need the time to focus on getting better. I don't know how long it will be but I don't see being on disability for the rest of my life. I will turn 60 years old tomorrow so hang in there.

I had a hard time too when my doctors suggested I apply, not just shocked but then I became morose in fact as if dealing with my diagnoses and financial pressures weren't enough. It seemed like giving in at first. Then someone said to use it as a tool to help get to where you want to be. It will take the pressure off us to get the help we need, and to do the things we need to so as to get to a better place. If we can possibly work again, whether it be full time or part time, then that can be a goal but at least we have some relief so as we can work on that or whatever else we want to do.

In my case, I was able to benefit from it coming from a very dark place for years but being able to focus on meds and therapy to get leveled out. Eventuially I went back to volunteering, then to school part-time, over time to school full-time, then back to work part-time and further down the road to full-time. I have accommodations at work for my disability which I could not have gotten before. I recently had a set back after 2 years of working FT and the system was in place to help. I cannot tell you how much of a relief this was so I could focus on what I needed to get my MH and health back.

This is what the program(s) are there for, to help us when we need it. Use it. It could be indefinitely, long term, or short term, but no matter, it is there as we need it so we can focus on what matters to best to take care of ourselves.

Wishing you well and for approval in your application and benefits, if this is what you decide to do.

Once I had my meltdown in 2012 I quickly applied for disability. I still feel like I should be working but I only have been stable for a short period of time recently. I might start slowly, once I start going back to school online. The thing is I'm over fifty and I'm not sure I would get hired for anything due to both physical and mental reasons.

Well, I've had my preliminary phone screening interview.

Next is Tues, I have to go in for my in depth financial assessment, so I have a ton to do to get ready for that. They want 6 months of bank statements, proof of rent, hydro, and other housing expenses.

I'm going to need to take all day tomorrow to organize what I need to take in.

Then once they determine if I'm financially eligible, we start the medical documentation process. I'm a little nervous about that.

I do recognize that I need it, as I'm not coping with even my part time job, particularly well.

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I know that process takes several months to find out if my disability application is approved or not, but the waiting, wondering and worrying are dreadful. I called last week to see if I could get a status update and was told that I may hear something in the next 6 to 8 weeks.

It's a good idea to apply for disability payments if you really need them. I was severely ill for 3 years before a social worker told me I might qualify for benefits. I knew nothing about the system, how to apply, what to expect, and he walked me through the whole thing. Today I am on benefits and able to go at my own pace, which is damned slow. There is no way I could hold down a job, like this. It's a limited life, but at least it's a life. Good luck exploring benefits and what it takes to get on them, and best of luck attacking your illness and pushing back the darkness.

The income from disability can make you self-sufficient, which is an important thing to weigh. I also got some financial help from a sibling for an interval between not working and when I started collecting SSDI. But I was very glad to be able to not need any help. I have to be frugal and careful with my money, but I am not going in want. My family doesn't have to worry about me. That was a relief.

I too say that I am just early retired.