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Posted by Zyprexa on April 17, 2012, at 19:26:38
In reply to Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 12:27:17
I live with my parents. Also I have to work part time.
Posted by Zyprexa on April 17, 2012, at 19:36:15
In reply to Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 12:27:17
You can get medicaid while you wait. Or do what I did and get a insurance plan for people with disabilities, state run, in NC its called inclusive health, cheap plans with good coverage. I filled out all the forms online for SSDI myself and got it right away first time. No lawyers.
Posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 19:53:09
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Zyprexa on April 17, 2012, at 19:36:15
If this dragged out for a year I will literally be on the street, no doubt.
I'll think about this tomorrow. I've read and looked at video's all day so I'm overwhelmed.
I think I will get the maximum amount from each which will make me poorer than I've ever been in my life. I started working summers when I was 12 and have always worked.
If I could fill out forms and gather info I wouldn't feel disabled. Everything is incredibly difficult right now.
Thanks for the input!
Posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2012, at 21:02:35
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 19:53:09
Phil my doc did the forms for me and submitted them. Poorer? If worked since that age you should receive quite a bit enough to live comfortably on. Phillipa
Posted by Phil on April 18, 2012, at 7:53:49
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phil, posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2012, at 21:02:35
If I understood the equation, may not have, I came up with $1700 a month. With no insurance, my meds would be around $900 maybe. I'll try to get assistance from the drug companies.
I've been unemployed for 13 months and haven't been able to put together a resume, buy clothes etc.
I'll get through this. I have two things on my side, no degree and I'm 58. One attempt one hospitalization, 30 years on meds.
With the anxiety and the subtle and not so subtle up and down of bipolar, it's very csary to me.
I don't think that my doctor will fill out my forms. Isn't there info that needs to be gathered? Last 5 jobs, medical records, etc?
Posted by zazenducke on April 18, 2012, at 16:21:07
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phillipa, posted by Phil on April 18, 2012, at 7:53:49
Phil you just have to give them the doctor's and hospital's names and addresses and they will contact them directly. All you have to do is list your jobs. You don't have to have any kind of documentation. There's no reason to feel humiliated or embarrassed. If you are not up to filling out forms online you can call your local social security office and talk to someone there and apply over the phone. All the social security people I know are really nice. (Maybe they have to be really patient to deal with old people).
The disadvantage of hiring a lawyer is that they will take a percentage of your award and realistically it could be a year or more of back payments so it would be a good bit of money. If you are denied you will probably want a lawyer then to file an appeal.
You know if things start looking up you can still go back to work. This isn't a declaration of defeat or anything! I'm really concerned about you Phil. You paid into this thing for years. This is what it's here for. I'm just sorry it has to be such a pain to get it started.
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm
> If I understood the equation, may not have, I came up with $1700 a month. With no insurance, my meds would be around $900 maybe. I'll try to get assistance from the drug companies.
>
> I've been unemployed for 13 months and haven't been able to put together a resume, buy clothes etc.
>
> I'll get through this. I have two things on my side, no degree and I'm 58. One attempt one hospitalization, 30 years on meds.
>
> With the anxiety and the subtle and not so subtle up and down of bipolar, it's very csary to me.
>
> I don't think that my doctor will fill out my forms. Isn't there info that needs to be gathered? Last 5 jobs, medical records, etc?
Posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2012, at 18:38:31
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phillipa, posted by Phil on April 18, 2012, at 7:53:49
Phil why would your doc not fill out the forms? My neighbors did and she got it and shouldn't have as technically she takes no meds and also gets teaches pay and insurance besides the medicaire. How she got it is beside be as she takes just xanax and gabapentin for sleep. Her pdoc keep giving her meds to take. She merely said no they do not work so he classified her as bipolar 3. I read the paperwork. Also got an orthopedic doc to say she can't be one her feet or legs. So not true as she's outside all the time walking, mowing her lawn, just got home from Disneyland. And says why should I work I'm getting $3200 a month. Makes me furious. Never been hospitalized. She said her knees hurt got two shots of cortisone and once approved stopped them. She did use an attorney and got it first try. Phillipa
Posted by Phil on April 18, 2012, at 19:29:34
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phil, posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2012, at 18:38:31
My minds a bit scrambled...I called a lawyer today and have an appt tomorrow. I've read that using a lawyer ups your chances first time so I will probably use them, not sure. If only 30% of first time filers get through and a good lawyer can increase the odds to say 45%. At 30%, and not being a gambling man, I'm going to need a lawyer anyway. I know there are success stories w/o a lawyer but I wouldn't be one of them.
I wasn't sure that I'd have all of the info to file myself or if I could get out of bed long enough to figure it out. I don't even know how to come up with a date that I was disabled and I read that that is pretty important. In other words, I need someone to think for me. : )
My doc will fill out the paperwork but I asked him last appt if my records would reflect that I'm disabled. He said that's up to them to determine. &^%$% No doc, what I'm asking is can I get some help here?
My therapist said he'd make me sound like a friggin lunatic who walks around 24/7 in a floridly psychotic state in government buildings. OK< I made that up but that's the gist of what he said.
Many people in the state agency I worked for were laid off 1/11. My brother died a few months before that. I've always bounced back in a life that's had it's share of setbacks, not this time.
I have an old friend that always tries to paint a better picture when all I see is black. A few weeks ago we were doing that drill and I stopped him and said, No, I can't do it!! I can't move!!
I can't move!!! Finally he stopped and said, With what you've been through the last three and a half years, I not sure if I would have made it.I haven't even done a resume and it seems impossible. I've never had these issues to this extreme.
The layoff didn't fit into my 58yo overweight(ty Seroquel)plan. I was supposed to retire in 7 years. Now that I am 58, overweight, feel like sh*t, and have the self-esteem of a roach, I'd say I have a problem.
Got carried away....
Posted by herpills on April 19, 2012, at 10:22:42
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phil, posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2012, at 18:38:31
> Phil why would your doc not fill out the forms? My neighbors did and she got it and shouldn't have as technically she takes no meds and also gets teaches pay and insurance besides the medicaire. How she got it is beside be as she takes just xanax and gabapentin for sleep. Her pdoc keep giving her meds to take. She merely said no they do not work so he classified her as bipolar 3. I read the paperwork. Also got an orthopedic doc to say she can't be one her feet or legs. So not true as she's outside all the time walking, mowing her lawn, just got home from Disneyland. And says why should I work I'm getting $3200 a month. Makes me furious. Never been hospitalized. She said her knees hurt got two shots of cortisone and once approved stopped them. She did use an attorney and got it first try. Phillipa
Phillipa this is an outrage! If she were my neighbor I would call SS. There is a phone# you can call and make an anonymous statement if you believe someone is abusing the system. This person is committing fraud! The doctors are also to blame. $3200 month for Bipolar 3?
Posted by TiredofChemicals on April 19, 2012, at 11:41:05
In reply to Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 12:27:17
> I read about a lady, whose husband made $85,000 a year, that got benefits which helped them buy a bigger house. I hope I read that wrong.
>
> I'll be calling a few lawyers in the next day or so to discuss disability. But to be honest, with what it pays, waiting for Medicare, finding a doctor(s), dealing with their formulary, and all the bs that goes along with it, I really hope I drop dead first. I know that sounds drastic but do you want to live that way?
>
> How do single people get by on this stuff? I know one that quit meds and just stays drunk. Not sure about you, but I don't want to live like that.
>
> This is a scary proposition. I could make a cardboard sign and stand on a street corner and make more money. All I would have to do is swallow my pride and dignity, just like disability.
^^^
It is not easy. Luckily for me, I have a loving sister and brother-in-law that are helping me to survive presently. Not much else to add unless direct questions were asked of me I guess, *shrugs.Regards
Posted by Phil on April 19, 2012, at 12:01:34
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by TiredofChemicals on April 19, 2012, at 11:41:05
I'm just going to have to find a way to get better and back to work. I'm not sure what that will be but I can't live on SS.
Maybe it's pride but I won't do well on food stamps and free clinics for the homeless.
Zyprexa, my doc thinks, is what put me in the hospital for 6 days trying to control a very high fever(NMS) What if that happened again?
I am trying to stay hopeful but it's very hard to picture a happy ending to this scenario.
Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2012, at 20:13:52
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phillipa, posted by herpills on April 19, 2012, at 10:22:42
Herpills first talked to neighbor who worked with SSDI and he said that they wouldn't do anything once approved. He said the teachers would be the way to go so I also know one of the Superintendants of the school system here. I told her of all the pics on facebook showing her doing all this stuff. She said leave a name in her mailbox as met her bike riding and we have talked a few time. I gave her an envelop with my name and password for facebook left in mailbox for her. Haven't heard I think. Now she has company from Florida visiting and out galavanting all day. Makes me ill. And it's the docs that are at fault. What I don't understand is why she didn't have to undergo an exam by the SSDI to qualify. Gee I could use some of that money. Phillipa
Posted by zazenducke on April 20, 2012, at 7:45:56
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » herpills, posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2012, at 20:13:52
Maybe she turned state's evidence? Did she have any pics of you riding your bike while you were on disability?
> Herpills first talked to neighbor who worked with SSDI and he said that they wouldn't do anything once approved. He said the teachers would be the way to go so I also know one of the Superintendants of the school system here. I told her of all the pics on facebook showing her doing all this stuff. She said leave a name in her mailbox as met her bike riding and we have talked a few time. I gave her an envelop with my name and password for facebook left in mailbox for her. Haven't heard I think. Now she has company from Florida visiting and out galavanting all day. Makes me ill. And it's the docs that are at fault. What I don't understand is why she didn't have to undergo an exam by the SSDI to qualify. Gee I could use some of that money. Phillipa
Posted by zazenducke on April 20, 2012, at 7:52:52
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 19, 2012, at 12:01:34
I'm sorry about your brother. I hope you'll be ok whatever path you take.
Posted by Phil on April 20, 2012, at 11:02:48
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phil, posted by zazenducke on April 20, 2012, at 7:52:52
Thanks, I miss my bro, much. I talked to a lawyer. I've been in sales a long time. I can walk in an office and make a judgement about them pretty fast. It's just common sense. No way I'd use them and I'm now leaning to doing it myself. What the heck.
I told this guy after a year I'd be homeless(like, hurry) He had a blank expression and said 50% of his clients were homeless.
Posted by Roslynn on April 20, 2012, at 11:48:02
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Zyprexa on April 17, 2012, at 19:36:15
Dear Zyprexa,
I hope you don't mind me asking a couple questions? I saw that you work part-time. I am thinking about working part-time and I'm wondering what to tell SSA. When you start your job, do they want details of what you are doing and how many hours per week? Do you have to stay below a certain dollar amount? (to continue to receive SSDI.)
Thank you for any help!
Roslynn
> You can get medicaid while you wait. Or do what I did and get a insurance plan for people with disabilities, state run, in NC its called inclusive health, cheap plans with good coverage. I filled out all the forms online for SSDI myself and got it right away first time. No lawyers.
Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2012, at 21:03:31
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Phillipa, posted by zazenducke on April 20, 2012, at 7:45:56
Mine was for mental not physical. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2012, at 21:07:19
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Zyprexa, posted by Roslynn on April 20, 2012, at 11:48:02
Not Zyprexa but yes you can only earn a certain amount of money per month and also a time period involved as wanted to do some RNing but all full time strange but true. License was current still have it inactive but now since SSRI I can work full time and earn any amount of money I desire. But if retired I say no to that. Phillipa something says $800 a month?
Posted by Zyprexa on April 24, 2012, at 21:54:51
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » Zyprexa, posted by Roslynn on April 20, 2012, at 11:48:02
You have to tell them soon as you start a job. How much you make a month. Hours. Salary. If you want to keep your SSDI you have to make less than $1000/month. And you have to tell them all the time what you make each month, when they ask. If you are blind you can make more. For the first 9 months you can make any amount. This is the trial period, which you stay in for as long as you don't have 9 months of making $720/month or more. Any 9 months within 5 years. But once you have 9 months you are in the extended period, where you can't make more than $1000/m or you will lose it. After 3 years in this stage if you ever make for than $1000 in one month you lose it all together.
Basicaly what I'm saying is you can make up to $1000/m and keep the payments. Forever.
Posted by Roslynn on April 25, 2012, at 15:03:49
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Zyprexa on April 24, 2012, at 21:54:51
Zyprexa,
Thank you SO much for our reply to me. This is very helpful info. One last thing, if you can bear with me: Do they ask what kind of work you are doing?
Like if the job is complex to a certain degree, are they going to come back at you and say, well, if you can handle that, you must not be depressed anymore?
Or they could say, if you can do that one or two days a week, why not full time?Thank you for any answers, I really appreciate this!
Roslynn
> You have to tell them soon as you start a job. How much you make a month. Hours. Salary. If you want to keep your SSDI you have to make less than $1000/month. And you have to tell them all the time what you make each month, when they ask. If you are blind you can make more. For the first 9 months you can make any amount. This is the trial period, which you stay in for as long as you don't have 9 months of making $720/month or more. Any 9 months within 5 years. But once you have 9 months you are in the extended period, where you can't make more than $1000/m or you will lose it. After 3 years in this stage if you ever make for than $1000 in one month you lose it all together.
>
> Basicaly what I'm saying is you can make up to $1000/m and keep the payments. Forever.
Posted by Malori33 on April 26, 2012, at 13:11:03
In reply to Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 12:27:17
Hi Phil - We seem to be walking the same path right now. I thought since this whole scenario is new to both of us, we might help each other out thru it. My name is Lori, age 53, and I live in NC. Just let me know.
Posted by JohnLA on April 26, 2012, at 22:48:40
In reply to Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 12:27:17
phil-
very sorry to hear about your work problems. unfortunately i am in the same boat.
i was just put on 'early retirement' at age 49 after being a teacher since i was 22. i rarely missed work. (yes, i know teachers get a lot of time off.) i, too, started working when i was 12 delivering newspapers. then, on to high school jobs. i even had 2 jobs during college. i never realized how much self-esteem comes from work until i stopped working. argh!
i was on long-term disability for 24 months before my 'retirement.'
i will say this; if there is anyway possible that you can stay in the workplace, even part-time, my recommendation is do it.
i can't tell you how worse i think i am mentally/physically from not going to work each day. let alone the drastic drop in income/benefits.
still, if you can't work that is totally understandable. but, please keep a seed of hope that you'll be able to work again. that's what i'm hoping and praying for.
john
ps if you do go for ssdi i recommend using a lawyer.
Posted by JohnLA on April 26, 2012, at 23:05:21
In reply to Disability? How do you survive?, posted by Phil on April 17, 2012, at 12:27:17
phil-
very sorry to hear about your work problems. unfortunately i am in the same boat.
i was just put on 'early retirement' at age 49 after being a teacher since i was 22. i rarely missed work. (yes, i know teachers get a lot of time off.) i, too, started working when i was 12 delivering newspapers. then, on to high school jobs. i even had 2 jobs during college. i never realized how much self-esteem comes from work until i stopped working. argh!
i was on long-term disability for 24 months before my 'retirement.'
i will say this; if there is anyway possible that you can stay in the workplace, even part-time, my recommendation is do it.
i can't tell you how worse i think i am mentally/physically from not going to work each day. let alone the drastic drop in income/benefits.
still, if you can't work that is totally understandable. but, please keep a seed of hope that you'll be able to work again. that's what i'm hoping and praying for.
john
ps if you do go for ssdi i recommend using a lawyer.
Posted by Phil on April 26, 2012, at 23:22:25
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive?, posted by JohnLA on April 26, 2012, at 23:05:21
Thanks John, I filed today using the biggest SSDI firm in Austin. Doesn't really matter but things are finally started. I can see several homeless scenarios but I'll get through this.
I agree about work but when my brother died shortly before I was laid off something died in me. I've had many jobs and still managed to find the next one pretty fast. Not this time. Laid off 1/11 and haven't even gotten my mind together to do a resume.
Maybe I'll move to South Texas and get a job driving a tractor. That was my first job. Ten hours a day on a two row stalk-cutter with no shade in close to 100 degree heat. My stepfather got rich farming 6000 acres by not buying an umbrella for my tractor. My skin cancer thanks him.
I could just play drums but nobody is making money in Austin. Too many bands here.
4-6 months to see if I'm approved the first time. If it ends up going to a judge, I'm homeless. That wasn't in my life plan.
Posted by JohnLA on April 26, 2012, at 23:47:07
In reply to Re: Disability? How do you survive? » JohnLA, posted by Phil on April 26, 2012, at 23:22:25
oh phil, your post both breaks my heart and makes me smile. god bless and don't mess with texas!
talk about life plans. i hear you brother.
am really sorry to hear about your loss.
i think it's great though that you are thinking some type of plan for down the road. hang in there. i am hoping/praying something good comes both our ways.
never been to austin. though the last female contact i had was a gorgeous austin girl. that was over 2 years ago right before i went down with depression...
not surprised you play music. can you tell me how austin originally became such a hot-bed of culture?
i once drove fro LA to houston and back. hell of a drive. going thru west teaxs was brutal. good place to see a ufo or drop off a dead body! lol.
phil, again, hang in there.
john
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