Posted by zonked on June 30, 2011, at 14:46:14
In reply to Re: What do you do when you can't work anymore?, posted by floatingbridge on June 29, 2011, at 17:55:30
> This sounds like very good practical advice. Does anyone know if it's wise to get this process started (since it can be very lengthy) prior to deciding (to accept disability)?As soon as you can. The legal standard to qualify for either or both is if the disability is expected to prevent one from working for a year or longer, or if the condition is expected to result in death.
In my case, I had to be HEAVILY persuaded (and I'm glad I was) because of stigma I had against being on disability. It turned out I *wasn't* able to work for a year or longer, and only now do I think I'm capable of doing so.
The work incentives are pretty awesome too; they only take $0.50 on the dollar off your benefits for every dollar you make, should you decide to work while on disability, up to the full amount; they give you a LONG time of "stable work history" once you're approved before they cut off your benefits, and you get to keep your Medicare/Medicaid while working, so you don't necessarily have to worry about getting a job with great health benefits right away, once you decide you'd like to try work.
They will also pay for you to go back to school and get equipment or training.
The programs are named Ticket to Work and the Program to Achieve Self Support, and differ based on whether you get SSDI, SSI or both.
It makes sense to get your app in, as most people are rejected the first time and must appeal. I hope I am not confusing anyone, but the overwhelming majority of people get what's called a "retro" check of some substantial amount when they are first approved. I forget how they calculate this. I've heard amounts from $10,000-$50,000. I will just say when I was approved, I did get a substantial retro check myself. Your attorney will deduct his or her fees from this payment and gets nothing if your case isn't ultimately approved. Which, if you keep appealing, is rather unlikely.
-z
poster:zonked
thread:989473
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110630/msgs/989871.html