posted
I was "lucky" enough to start collecting unemployment after a Lyme relapse thanks to the bad economy and an understanding boss. My unemployment is about to run out and I am at a cross road.
I would like to apply for Disability but am worried about the process. If I could find a part-time job that I was capable of I would do it but my fatigue, chronic pain, and foggy mental status make it difficult. I am also too dizzy to drive on most days.
Any advice on filing for disability? Or job suggestions?
Thanks!
-------------------- Lisa Duffy Western MA Posts: 14 | From Springfield, MA | Registered: Jun 2006
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Disability is a good idea it sounds like for you. At least apply; you can always rescind it if you get better.
The process is lengthy and can easily take up to two years, so you won't be getting financial support from it anytime soon. Even more important to apply ASAP.
I had worked part time off and on and it didn't affect my approval. You can actually work very part time while on disability. If it is sporadic, they just take it as proof you can't hold down a job.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
Thanks for the help and encouragement! Any advice on filing ? Is it worthwhile to hire an attorney to help?
-------------------- Lisa Duffy Western MA Posts: 14 | From Springfield, MA | Registered: Jun 2006
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
If you work part time for a certain number of quarters, you will reduce your benefit when you do get it because the amount is based on how much you were making over the past certain number of quarters.
Hope that makes sense. Please check into what they are doing these days so that you can make an informed decision.
Sorry you are so sick that you are having trouble working. I've been there myself. I know how hard it is.
Take care, Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
Thank you for the tips! Do you recommend hiring an attorney to help with the process? Or is it an unnecessary expense?
I'd rather pay an attorney a % and get benefits than to receive none.
-------------------- Lisa Duffy Western MA Posts: 14 | From Springfield, MA | Registered: Jun 2006
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Definitely get an attorney on board. If you are like me the whole process can be overwhelming and knowing there was someone to guide me and who knew the ropes was a huge weight off me.
You do not pay the attorney until you win! And there is a cap on how much they can get. In the scheme of things, it's not that expensive.
Ask around at a local support group about attorneys others have used. That's how I found the one I used and he was fantastic!
For more info you can go to www.ssa.gov and click on disability, or something like that. You can read all you want there about it.
Good luck to you.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
You definitely need an attorney. No question about it. Mine was awesome, in fact I got my check in the mail today for my back pay. I am still in shock that I actually have SSDI now.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
zel,
see my very DETAILED SSDI, disability insurance benefits, info in my newbie package. print off around 30 pages of GOOD info. pages 114 to end of it 150??
read it all over good 1st ok! then you judge where you need an attorney or you can do majority of it yourself with SUPPORTING DRS. answering the questionnaire form from CONNIEMC!!! that's what is going to win your case with other supportiing medical type info!
mine was 5 yrs. of hell, and 4 yrs. was with lawyer! 2nd one after lawyer QUIT ME! i represented myself and WON due to thorough job i did extracting my medical info from charts vs. against SS site of their rules and illnesses they cover.
$5300 was the last max i've heard; only if they win but you pay also if you have to FLY them in, motel, food, car rentl, and misc. .... overnight mailings are expensive and getting dr. files if YOU don't get copies yourself.
you have to have worked 20 quarters to apply!!! wait 5 months OFF WORK before applying but the more work you do now to have a THOROUGH, SUPPORTED CLAIM; you CAN BE APPROVED 1ST STEP, 1ST TIME!!! good luck.
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