merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Hey guys. I havent worked since may and i was on medical leave (no papers filled out) Well I just
received a letter from my boss with the official termination paper work saying they had to
terminate me because I haven't worked in so long...
My question is that if I was terminated, could I collect unemployment??
I just think it would be a lot easier than disability for now anyway,
I live in MA.
Any thoughts? Thanks Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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TheCrimeOfLyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4019
posted
If you got fired, then you can more than likely collect unemployment. But, I know if unemployment knows that you are filing for disability, sometimes they wont give it to you.
My dad got fired from work because he couldn't be there due to being sick. He filed for unemployment and they wrote him a letter
"you are entitled to unemployment. However, since you consider yourself disabled, you are not entitled to unemployment".
I know one of the question boxes when you sign up is "do you consider yourself disabled".
I ALMOST checked that when I, myself, got fired in June until a friend who saw me doing it online ( as he was over my shoulder) said NO, dont check that, they will deny you. And I got it.
Its worth a shot to try to get it. It never hurts.
-------------------- You want your life back? Take it. Posts: 3169 | From Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
I'm sorry about the loss of your job. That's tough.....been there.
One thing I know about unemployment....It doesn't pay much...at all. About 1/4 of what you were making.
Of course, disability pays about the same, I guess... maybe a bit more!!
You also have to do job searches while collecting unemployment. You have to prove that you are looking for a job.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
I'm so sorry MGirl- !!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey Melissa,
I think it would be a really good idea for you to seek some free legal aid on this question....before you file for Unemployment Insurance (UI).
These are the problems that I foresee:
* If you were unable to return to work at your old position, UI will most likely assume that you are still unable to work. UI is meant for those in between jobs only. * UI may claim that this is a workman's comp issue since you feel you became infected AT work. Or, like Jodie said, a disability issue, and NOT a temporary pay check until you find another position. * Theoretically, since you left your job due to medical issues, you should have either pursued workman's comp or a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FLMA will guarantee you a job once you are ready to return to work after a family illness. * If and when it is determined that you can NOT return to work, then disability is looked into, either permanent or temporary.
I'm sure there are other issues too, like claiming that you are able to work, when you are in fact NOT able to, every 2 weeks on the UI forms that you have to sign and return.
I would really hate to see you get yourself into trouble here. Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I am so sorry Merrygirl.
I think Melanie has a good idea about getting legal advice....seems complicated.
map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
My last day of working was Dec 23, 2001. They made me have a doctors note every month stating I couldn't work for the next 30 days. Didn't matter because at that time I needed to see my PCP at least that often. It was very obvisious to me and my doctor that I wasn't returning anytime soon.
Dec 21, 2002 they sent me a terminated letter. I had been with that company for 28 yrs. Went to work for them at 16 yrs of age, worked my way up the corp ladder and had been promoted to my dream position in Feb 2001.
What I thought was important suddenly sucked because the option of working myself to death wasn't possible. I actually became ill in July '99 and pushed myself to keep working and get that promotion.
I'm sorry merrygirl that you have to deal with this too. I hope you take care of you.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
Merry,
I agree this is at the very least distressing news!! So very sorry this has happened.
I also wonder,,,have you pursued the workmans comp thing?? Is there still time to DO so??
Whatever you do,,,do it right and by the book,, cause its easier than watching to see who is hiding behind every bush and tree!!
YOU will feel better about it,no doubt!!
Problem I see with workmans comp is PROVING it WAS work related!! Not like a slip and fall,including witnesses,,or a cut etc.
Kick this disease to the curb and get back to it the hard way!!!Keep fighting for your health!!
In the end thats all that really 'counts'!!
ANY chance you can get well enough for even an easy part time gig with an understanding boss??
Hope your hubby can cover your family needs temporarily till you get back up and running!!
sending healing thoughts!!cuz--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Thanks for all your thoughts...
I do have a lawyer involved so I will call monday.
I sent an email to my boss right before (4-5 days) I got this letter looking to see i I could try to work 4-6 hours on Sundays. I think I could do that.
No response...
I really would much rather work than collect anything believe me.
I make decent money when I work.
I haven't filed disability papers (not sure if I am yet)
So confusing.
I wish I just could take up where I was.
I will let you know how it goes.
I definitely am by the book kind of person, no scams here..
Thanks again, Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
melissa,
so sorry to read about this. you''ve been given good advise!
you have my 24 pagees of ssdi detailed info; please read it over carefully and use connie mc's special forms of getting your drs. to complete these so you can win....1t time; 1st step!!
good luck; are you on hubby''s health insurance plan or yours?
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Thanks betty! I am on hubby's ins so that is good!
calling the lawyer this am..
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
I am getting ready to go on sick leave myself. Probably should have done it a while ago, but we've been so short staffed at work that I kept putting it off.
My LLMD is in the process of filling out the FMLA paperwork, no idea how long it will all take. I plan on being gone by Dec 20.
It is scary. I haven't not worked since I was 14. I know if I go past the allowed 12 weeks my company will fire me.
I'm so sorry to hear this, Melissa. I do hope things work out okay.
-------------------- Jennifer Posts: 266 | From Ocean County, NJ | Registered: Aug 2007
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
So sorry Merrygirl,
Did you mean that you were working on paperwork for your employers disability plan, was disability offered through your employer? Were you out on FMLA?
I would also suggest consulting with your lawyer.
I lucked out when i was on short term disability they paid me at 100% for the first 4 months I think.....my former employer put me thru so much, and played a ton of games, had me working against the llmd's written orders.
Hang in there.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
you can collect workman's comp only if you got lyme from work. this means you have to have a job that requires outside work,ie forest ranger, grass cutter.
you should be able to collect unemployment even while filing for disability. also food stamps and medicaid are available temp.
you might want to contact a lawyer. there is no reason for not being able to collect. don't tell them you applied for ssdis, it will take years to get that anyway.
may have case for wrongful termination.
docdave
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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