Anyone has or thought about applying for dissabilty?

Pinkpower
Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
I worked all thru my lumpectomy, chemo and radiation of course taking necessary days here and there as needed, plus it was a very small office and I was lucky to have had a great woman boss who has become one of my best friends so the actual job was very easy. But a few months after I was done with the chemo and radiation in May of 2010 I was laid off of work on July 30 of 2010. Still being on Herceptin thru the End of September of 2010 and my many doc appts and the rest of the testing that still go on, I didnt even bother trying to find another job. Now its been about 8 months since I finished Herceptin, and financially I find myself starting to struggle, even with a working husband and getting unemployment, so having 2 kids still in school, one graduation HS and one going to middle school next year, I have found myself contemplating that its time I go back to work. But as many of you know, I have been struggling with severe joint bone pains for a long time now, to the point where my dr finally took me off of Femara and swithed me to another med, which I have not started yet. So my question is, has anyone since their ordeal with BC, applied for dissability or contemplated appling. My family and friends have told me many times I should apply. But should I? I know the process is gruelling and actually getting dissability is slim to none of a chance. Any thoughts?

Lupe

Comments

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    I had my interview on Monday
    I had my interview on Monday with SSI, but I am metastatic which she said is usually an automatic yes. I have a friend here that has had some physical issues, joint pain, depression etc from her 2002 stage I diagnosis. She has been on SSI Disability since then. The worse that can happen is they say no, you appeal, they say no again, you appeal again. Nothing to lose, just talk to your oncologist and let him/her know that you are applying so that he says the right things when they contact him.

    I lose my work short term disability in 5 months and was required to file now by my employer (according to our union contract), then company will pay the difference between SSI and what my short term benefits mandate (which ever is greater). Which, by the way is not enough to live on, but much better than not getting anything in!

    Good luck and I say Go For It!!!

    ~Carol
  • wndringmnd
    wndringmnd Member Posts: 44
    disability

    hey there,
    I applied for and got disability after initially being denied. after my initial denial I contacted and hired an attorney to handle the papers and all the hoop-la that goes along with government. after 2 more denials and doctor visits with their doctors (and even if they say your disabled doesn't mean a thing), and a hearing. It took a year and a half of fighting but I was finally granted SSI.
    My advice would be to contact a disability attorney as soon as possible and get the ball rolling. the worst they can say is "no".

    Marilyn
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    I've been on leave from work
    I've been on leave from work since my dx. For the first 6 months I have been on short term disability using the FMLA leave.

    At six months, everything transferred to long term disability. My company also required that I apply for disability through SS. The long term disability insurance company has an attorney group they normally work with, so I'm going with that. It's supposed to save me paperwork and time, but it looks there will still be plenty of paperwork anyway. I will probably be back at work before it's all settled.

    You might try the cancerandcareers website, to see if they can help you decide. And your cancer center might have a social worker who can help with this too. If it were me, I would want to compare the unemployment benefit vs disability benefit before making a final decision. And I'm pretty sure unemployment would be reduced or taken away if you're getting disability.

    How many years did you work and put money into the SS system? You have every right to apply to get some of that money back. Ultimately, you have to do what is right for you.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member

    I've been on leave from work
    I've been on leave from work since my dx. For the first 6 months I have been on short term disability using the FMLA leave.

    At six months, everything transferred to long term disability. My company also required that I apply for disability through SS. The long term disability insurance company has an attorney group they normally work with, so I'm going with that. It's supposed to save me paperwork and time, but it looks there will still be plenty of paperwork anyway. I will probably be back at work before it's all settled.

    You might try the cancerandcareers website, to see if they can help you decide. And your cancer center might have a social worker who can help with this too. If it were me, I would want to compare the unemployment benefit vs disability benefit before making a final decision. And I'm pretty sure unemployment would be reduced or taken away if you're getting disability.

    How many years did you work and put money into the SS system? You have every right to apply to get some of that money back. Ultimately, you have to do what is right for you.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Soc Sec Di
    Is for a disability that is expected to last one year or longer and you can start the process after 5 months of disability. Check out the gov website for forms and more info.

    Roseann
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    I hope things work out
    I have not advice just sending good thoughts your way