[Azalysa]

Permanent Disability

I have not been able to get stabilized enough to hold a job since I was hit broadside by a major depressive episode that began a year ago this month.

At the time I was employed and went on disability from work, drawing a % of my salary plus having my benefits. For my years of service, that ended in 6 months.

Pdoc authorized me to return to work for a half day for a month or so. After several weeks of that, pdoc told me bluntly to quit the job as it was contributing to the stress that caused the anxiety/depression/hypomania and if I stayed there I would likely not get well.

For the past 5 months I have been supported financially by my mother. I moved to a less expensive apartment. Scaled things down where I could, but the fact remains, especially including the Cobra insurance payments, my mother is running out of disposable funds. She and my stepfather planned well for their retirement and it really hurts me emotionally and is demeaning to be 52 years old, with advanced education and not be able to support myself.

In April I worked through a temp. agency (scoring standardized testing). In a month's period I called out probably a total of a week's time. I would love to be stable enough to work, but will alone is not working.

So, my mother and I have discussed the possibility of looking into permanent disability...which I know ~nothing~ about - how to start, how much income it provides, will it pay for meds, can I still work part time on it, etc., etc. And is this a national program or is each state a bit different?

So, I gathered my courage and broached the subject at my pdoc appt. this week. To my complete surprise, without blinking an eye, he said he definitely thought that's the way I should go and that the best way would be to consult an attorney. I asked if he had any attorneys he would recommend who were "reputable." (After working in Workers Comp., some attorneys are more like "ambulance chasers.") He gave two names for me and indicated one of them would sit down with me and help me with the paperwork.

My mother is encouraging me to make an appointment soon.

I know many of you have gone this route through necessity. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Right now, I'm feeling like a failure.

[JustAPixie]

(((((((((((( Azalysa )))))))))))))

You are not a failure!!!! You must do what you have to so that you can have a better life. Don't feel ashamed or bad about it. I cannot give you any advice, but I can give you a hug!

((((Azalysa))))
It's not your fault that you were blindsided and now you're disabled.
I hope you get the help you need from your lawyer.
Good luck

[lenjan]

Yes, you can still work part-time, but you can only bring in so much income per month or your benefits will get cut off.

What you get depends on how much you've put into the system over the years. You can probably find out on the Social Security website.

SS can take all your info over the phone; it takes about an hour. I wouldn't bother paying a lawyer unless you get denied and really think you have a case. Since you've been able to work even a limited amount in the last year, your chances are slim, frankly. You have to be completely unable to work and be expected to be completely unable to work for a year, or to die within a year.

Good luck.

[complic8d]

I became unable to work about 1 &1/2 years ago. My T had me cut back and then finally stop working altogether. Both her and my pdoc said I should definitely try for disability.
I called the nearest Social Security office and they sent me a package of paperwork. I filled it out, made sure it was as complete as possible, and sent it back. They then contacted me to let me know who was working on it. (He was at an office in a different county, so I don't think counties matter, it's a federal thing)
I had to include all the docs and hospitalizations I had had. This gave them the authority to contact my docs who then filled out some paperwork. I never had to see an SS doc, I guess mine had enough "proof". I had about an hour to two hour phone appointment. It was rough because they had me describe a typical day, and it was kind of embarrassing to say why I was in bed all the time. (I guess just be as honest as you can, the girl I talked to was really nice).

After about 4 months I saw that a check was deposited in my savings account. They contacted me by mail also. They determine from their findings how often they need to re-approve you. For me they gave me a year and a half. After that (next March), I'm sure I will have to go through some of this again.
You don't get paid for the first 6 months you are unable to work, then when you apply, since it takes a while, if you are approved, then you will get paid retroactively.

Just thought I would share my story of how it worked for me.

I know how you feel about being a failure. I had a high paying job in the health field, a professional that was a part of my identity. It is hard to admit that I cannot work, at least right now. I don't know if I can ever go back, or if I want to.

It's been hard to accept, but at least this helps pay the bills. And, my kids qualified too, so they get money in their savings accounts each month.

I don't tell people I am "disabled". I will just say I am not working right now. I have a hard time with it, as my self-esteem is in the pits as it is. I guess it helps to know that at least this is helping my family.

Feel free to PM me on this matter, with any questions. I live in Michigan, I don't know if other states work differently or not. I decided to first try it without an attorney, but would have gone that way had I been denied.

Good luck to you!

[Azalysa]

Thank you so much {{{{{Tanya}}}}}} and {{{{{Jax}}}}}} for you encouragement and hugs!!!

I appreciate the great info, Candy & Complic8d!

Guess it's just one of those government hoops to jump through, but the sooner I begin, the sooner I get through it.

Many thanks for your time to respond

[DaveyJones]

My $0.02...you can also apply online at ssa.gov.

DJ

[darkeyes]

ditto, of what Tanya just told you.
Azalysa, you are not a failure,be kind to yourself.

(((((((((( Azalysa )))))))))))

[Azalysa]

{{{{{{Davey}}}}}}} & {{{{{DE}}}}}}

Thanks for the website, DJ....you da bomb on all this info!!

[DaveyJones]

I hope it works for you...I thought you might find it easier. Now all you need to do is round up ALL your records pertaining to your illness. Make it easy for 'em. I met one fellow who got his done in six weeks. He marched in, gave them every possibly relevant scrap of paper, and that was that!

Good luck!

DJ

[JustAPixie]

Keep us updated... I would want to know how it goes and how you are doing!