Financial setback after cancer treatment

Rewriter
Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
I'm not sure if this is the place to get started on this topic, but you all have become my friends; and I'd rather have your support than the support of strangers.

When I was diagnosed with UPSC in March 2008, I stopped working. I am a freelance writer/editor, which for me is very intense work that requires total concentration; and I felt that I couldn't adequately perform my job with my mind elsewhere. Also, once chemo began, I couldn't get off the couch for almost two out of the three weeks between treatments. This had a terrible effect on my ability to meet deadlines, so I lost a bunch of clients. Disability was not an option because "theoretically" I should have been able to work. So...I dipped into my retirement savings and hoped for the best.

Now, I have picked up a few new clients but the money is nowhere near what I used to make. My expenses far outweigh my income, despite my now living a very spartan existence.

Today, I applied for food stamps; and I am having a hard time accepting this. How much of the life I had known has changed because of my cancer diagnosis?

I am having a pity party here, and I know that I should consider myself lucky in so many ways. Please accept my apologies.

Jill
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Comments

  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    Jill
    Good topic. I'm really sorry you are dealing with this horrible situation. This speaks to our government's philosophy about healthcare and helping people. Don't get me started on that... You are on the receiving end (or lack thereof) of it all.

    I am VERY GRATEFUL that I have a husband that is employed with affordable insurance for me now that I am on disability- until I will be able to get medicare. Cancer is devastating in so many ways without the stress and anxiety of wondering how bills will be paid and how to put food on the table - all that you are dealing with now.

    This shouldn't be. I wish I had more of a solution to put on the table.

    Mary Ann
  • soromer
    soromer Member Posts: 130
    Applying for disability with a cancer dx
    Dear Jill,

    I am sorry to hear that you are in such difficult financial straits. It's not your fault that you couldn't prepare for such a difficult turn of events; few of us are ever that wealthy and protected. And I heartily agree that it is a sad testimony about the failings of this society that we don't provide a bigger and broader safety net.

    I am not a lawyer or an expert of any kind about SSDI. However, I did apply myself for it shortly after my diagnosis--in part, because my employer basically fired me when my staging results came back!--and I was approved for it in three weeks.

    I urge you to reconsider applying. It might not work; you might be making too much money now to fall under the "substantial gainful income" ceiling that signals inability to work--that's around $1000/month. But per your diagnosis, you might qualify.

    I did, because my Stage IIIC2 Endometrial Cancer is listed under the SSA's list of qualifying medical conditions. My oncologist was willing to attest that because of treatment and recovery, I would be disabled for at least 12 months. There was a lot of paperwork involved, but in the end it did come through.

    Now, there are other big catches: once you do qualify, you really can't earn much, even less than the $1000/month possible during the determination period. (Sorry I am not adept with the technical terminology; I may get some of this wrong.) As I understand it, you can earn up to about $700/month without triggering some back-to-work requirements, which are still relatively gradual--something like any 9 months of earning more than $700 will then put you into a three-year return-to-work path.

    On the other hand, maybe this is a source of income you can tap that will allow you more flexibility and more resources than you have now. And, two years along, you ought to qualify for Medicaid, as I understand it, if you need another source of coverage.

    As a working taxpayer, you have paid into the system; it's insurance; you do deserve to access it.

    At this point, you may need expert help to make your way through the system. It's possible, perhaps, that you may be able to go back to your original date of diagnosis for the start of the disability, but that's a complex question I really can't begin to answer. In that case, you could have some reasonable amount of money coming back your way. Regardless, you could find you have more money available to you than you think now.

    I don't think you're having a pity party, honestly. It is shocking and dismaying to have all of this turned upside down, too, besides dealing with cancer. I'm glad you've been able to start back up, but please go easy on yourself. Catastrophic illness is just that.

    Good luck to you, whatever you pursue.

    Kate
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
    soromer said:

    Applying for disability with a cancer dx
    Dear Jill,

    I am sorry to hear that you are in such difficult financial straits. It's not your fault that you couldn't prepare for such a difficult turn of events; few of us are ever that wealthy and protected. And I heartily agree that it is a sad testimony about the failings of this society that we don't provide a bigger and broader safety net.

    I am not a lawyer or an expert of any kind about SSDI. However, I did apply myself for it shortly after my diagnosis--in part, because my employer basically fired me when my staging results came back!--and I was approved for it in three weeks.

    I urge you to reconsider applying. It might not work; you might be making too much money now to fall under the "substantial gainful income" ceiling that signals inability to work--that's around $1000/month. But per your diagnosis, you might qualify.

    I did, because my Stage IIIC2 Endometrial Cancer is listed under the SSA's list of qualifying medical conditions. My oncologist was willing to attest that because of treatment and recovery, I would be disabled for at least 12 months. There was a lot of paperwork involved, but in the end it did come through.

    Now, there are other big catches: once you do qualify, you really can't earn much, even less than the $1000/month possible during the determination period. (Sorry I am not adept with the technical terminology; I may get some of this wrong.) As I understand it, you can earn up to about $700/month without triggering some back-to-work requirements, which are still relatively gradual--something like any 9 months of earning more than $700 will then put you into a three-year return-to-work path.

    On the other hand, maybe this is a source of income you can tap that will allow you more flexibility and more resources than you have now. And, two years along, you ought to qualify for Medicaid, as I understand it, if you need another source of coverage.

    As a working taxpayer, you have paid into the system; it's insurance; you do deserve to access it.

    At this point, you may need expert help to make your way through the system. It's possible, perhaps, that you may be able to go back to your original date of diagnosis for the start of the disability, but that's a complex question I really can't begin to answer. In that case, you could have some reasonable amount of money coming back your way. Regardless, you could find you have more money available to you than you think now.

    I don't think you're having a pity party, honestly. It is shocking and dismaying to have all of this turned upside down, too, besides dealing with cancer. I'm glad you've been able to start back up, but please go easy on yourself. Catastrophic illness is just that.

    Good luck to you, whatever you pursue.

    Kate

    Thank you, Mary Ann and Kate
    for both the words of comfort and for the excellent advice. You have been so generous with both.

    I'm trapped in a Catch-22 situation, making too much money in "dividends" and some work to ever qualify for disability and yet far too little to pay my bills without dipping into my retirement funds. After completing all of the calculations, the only government program for which I might qualify is food stamps. Well, it's something.

    Recently, I finished ghostwriting a book for an author who paid me out-of-pocket and consequently much less than I made working for corporate clients. The upside is that my name will appear on the book cover, a perk that should benefit me if the book sells well to large corporations and universities. I've also been promised a percentage of the royalties. So, if I am lucky, my financial troubles might be time limited.

    In addition to sharing what I know about nutrition with women who have been newly diagnosed with uterine/endometrial cancer, I want to learn about available benefits and share that info with women in my situation. This system absolutely STINKS.

    I don't know what I would do without the women here. Thank you again.

    Jill
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    Rewriter said:

    Thank you, Mary Ann and Kate
    for both the words of comfort and for the excellent advice. You have been so generous with both.

    I'm trapped in a Catch-22 situation, making too much money in "dividends" and some work to ever qualify for disability and yet far too little to pay my bills without dipping into my retirement funds. After completing all of the calculations, the only government program for which I might qualify is food stamps. Well, it's something.

    Recently, I finished ghostwriting a book for an author who paid me out-of-pocket and consequently much less than I made working for corporate clients. The upside is that my name will appear on the book cover, a perk that should benefit me if the book sells well to large corporations and universities. I've also been promised a percentage of the royalties. So, if I am lucky, my financial troubles might be time limited.

    In addition to sharing what I know about nutrition with women who have been newly diagnosed with uterine/endometrial cancer, I want to learn about available benefits and share that info with women in my situation. This system absolutely STINKS.

    I don't know what I would do without the women here. Thank you again.

    Jill

    SS Disability
    Jill,

    I agree with Kate. Over the years I've had pretty good success in helping people (including myself) apply for and be approved for Social Security Disability - I'm a social worker.

    SS only considers EARNED income - not unearned (dividends). I also was approved very quickly - 2.5 weeks. I think this was due to a recurrence of UPSC. But you can check regs online. Go to SSA.gov + Adult Disability + search for "Blue Book" which will have the criteria that they consider disabilities. If a person has more than one condition - (i.e. neoplasm (cancer) plus endocrine (i.e. diabetes) - you can apply claiming a "combination of impairments".

    I applied online. I'm very happy to help. Email me if you want more help with this.

    Mary Ann
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
    daisy366 said:

    SS Disability
    Jill,

    I agree with Kate. Over the years I've had pretty good success in helping people (including myself) apply for and be approved for Social Security Disability - I'm a social worker.

    SS only considers EARNED income - not unearned (dividends). I also was approved very quickly - 2.5 weeks. I think this was due to a recurrence of UPSC. But you can check regs online. Go to SSA.gov + Adult Disability + search for "Blue Book" which will have the criteria that they consider disabilities. If a person has more than one condition - (i.e. neoplasm (cancer) plus endocrine (i.e. diabetes) - you can apply claiming a "combination of impairments".

    I applied online. I'm very happy to help. Email me if you want more help with this.

    Mary Ann

    Thanks for the info, Mary Ann
    I did not apply for SS Disability when I was diagnosed, not realizing that my unearned income did not count toward eligibility. That was three years ago.

    Now, I am more than healthy enough to work; but the cancer diagnosis was directly responsible for my losing my client base.

    After three years of doing nothing, and being currently able to work, I wonder if I am still eligible for benefits.

    I am going to check out the website you mentioned.
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
    Rewriter said:

    Thanks for the info, Mary Ann
    I did not apply for SS Disability when I was diagnosed, not realizing that my unearned income did not count toward eligibility. That was three years ago.

    Now, I am more than healthy enough to work; but the cancer diagnosis was directly responsible for my losing my client base.

    After three years of doing nothing, and being currently able to work, I wonder if I am still eligible for benefits.

    I am going to check out the website you mentioned.

    Maryann is right about the dividends; they don't count them.
    Like you I have my own business, and it has become very profitable, with 12 PT employees that includes my 2 sons, DIL, step-daughter, & my husband (so a lot of my family look to this business for a portion of their annual income). So I didn't apply for disability the first 2 years I was in treatment, because I could still work and I wanted to.

    But when I went on Doxil and got the hand/foot syndrome (around Nov. 2010) and couldn't type all day like I needed to, I made an appointment at the SS office to look into it. I was there 3 hours and when they made their determination, they dated my disability benefits back to the 1st of the year!! (I got a "retro-payment" check of over $10,000 right away!) I was able to get that even though all of 2010 I was drawing a modest salary and I was a 1/3 partner in my company and was drawing 1/3 of the profits in dividends. I disclosed all of this. And yet all SS looked at was the modest salary I was drawing, & they were comparing that to the substantially larger salary I was paying myself the prior year. You see, I brought my 2 sons into the businerss as partners (on the advice of a financial planner) on January 1, 2010, and SS could see that I had effectively given away 2/3 of my business and 2/3 of my profits to my sons. I explained that I did that because my family had stepped in to do so much of my personal work load and deserved to be compensated.

    So I came away with a MUCH better determination than I could have ever hoped for, or would ever have dared to ask for. I was completely shocked! It did take 3 hours because they look at business owners with extra scruntiny, and you need to be ready with several years of financials. But don't be surprised if they go back pretty far in awarding you benefits if your cancer caused you to drop or lose clients or not work. Disability isn't much $$, but for me it's $1500/month I can count on. (As an aside, I gave the final shares of my business to my sons January 1, 2011 and no longer receive a paycheck or a dividend from the company. But my husband remains on the payroll at a modest salary that covers the cost of our health insurance.)

    I suggest you make an appointment and go in and lay out your whole story for them. ((((Jill)))) When I went in for that appointment, I was pretty beatenb down froma solid year of constant chemo treatments, and 3 hours was TOO long for me to be doing anything. I was experiencing genuine physical discomfort as the hours wore on, and I actually cried a little towards the end and told her I NEVER EVER imagined myself as anything less than a productive working contributor to society. I think after that, the woman hearing my case went out of her way to build a strong file for me that documented her recommendation based on solid math. So don't go in all brave; tell them your story from the heart.
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member

    Maryann is right about the dividends; they don't count them.
    Like you I have my own business, and it has become very profitable, with 12 PT employees that includes my 2 sons, DIL, step-daughter, & my husband (so a lot of my family look to this business for a portion of their annual income). So I didn't apply for disability the first 2 years I was in treatment, because I could still work and I wanted to.

    But when I went on Doxil and got the hand/foot syndrome (around Nov. 2010) and couldn't type all day like I needed to, I made an appointment at the SS office to look into it. I was there 3 hours and when they made their determination, they dated my disability benefits back to the 1st of the year!! (I got a "retro-payment" check of over $10,000 right away!) I was able to get that even though all of 2010 I was drawing a modest salary and I was a 1/3 partner in my company and was drawing 1/3 of the profits in dividends. I disclosed all of this. And yet all SS looked at was the modest salary I was drawing, & they were comparing that to the substantially larger salary I was paying myself the prior year. You see, I brought my 2 sons into the businerss as partners (on the advice of a financial planner) on January 1, 2010, and SS could see that I had effectively given away 2/3 of my business and 2/3 of my profits to my sons. I explained that I did that because my family had stepped in to do so much of my personal work load and deserved to be compensated.

    So I came away with a MUCH better determination than I could have ever hoped for, or would ever have dared to ask for. I was completely shocked! It did take 3 hours because they look at business owners with extra scruntiny, and you need to be ready with several years of financials. But don't be surprised if they go back pretty far in awarding you benefits if your cancer caused you to drop or lose clients or not work. Disability isn't much $$, but for me it's $1500/month I can count on. (As an aside, I gave the final shares of my business to my sons January 1, 2011 and no longer receive a paycheck or a dividend from the company. But my husband remains on the payroll at a modest salary that covers the cost of our health insurance.)

    I suggest you make an appointment and go in and lay out your whole story for them. ((((Jill)))) When I went in for that appointment, I was pretty beatenb down froma solid year of constant chemo treatments, and 3 hours was TOO long for me to be doing anything. I was experiencing genuine physical discomfort as the hours wore on, and I actually cried a little towards the end and told her I NEVER EVER imagined myself as anything less than a productive working contributor to society. I think after that, the woman hearing my case went out of her way to build a strong file for me that documented her recommendation based on solid math. So don't go in all brave; tell them your story from the heart.

    Wow, I am feeling more confident
    ...and I will make an appointment. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for bolstering me and giving me such terrific advice.

    Linda, thank you for sharing your story. I can just imagine how you were feeling at your appointment; and I am so glad that the case worker went out of her way to help you.

    In the meantime, I'm optimistic that my food stamps application will go through. The stamps are accepted at all NYC greenmarkets, in addition to supermarkets, so I will be able to purchase fresh (and local) food and keep up with my anti-cancer diet.

    Love and hugs to all,

    Jill
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    Rewriter said:

    Wow, I am feeling more confident
    ...and I will make an appointment. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for bolstering me and giving me such terrific advice.

    Linda, thank you for sharing your story. I can just imagine how you were feeling at your appointment; and I am so glad that the case worker went out of her way to help you.

    In the meantime, I'm optimistic that my food stamps application will go through. The stamps are accepted at all NYC greenmarkets, in addition to supermarkets, so I will be able to purchase fresh (and local) food and keep up with my anti-cancer diet.

    Love and hugs to all,

    Jill

    Giving hearts
    With a giving heart like yours, Jill, it is hard to accept help from the outside. But like so many others have indicated here, why not get an appointment and tell your case. That assistance can help you get through the rough times until you are back on your feet.

    You really don't need this stress so I hope everything turns out for you.

    By the way, I went to North Mrytle Beach. Very impromtu. Was going to come home on Wednesday, but roamed around and found another place to stay. It was relaxing!

    Please know I am thinking of you and hope the best for you!

    Kath
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
    Kaleena said:

    Giving hearts
    With a giving heart like yours, Jill, it is hard to accept help from the outside. But like so many others have indicated here, why not get an appointment and tell your case. That assistance can help you get through the rough times until you are back on your feet.

    You really don't need this stress so I hope everything turns out for you.

    By the way, I went to North Mrytle Beach. Very impromtu. Was going to come home on Wednesday, but roamed around and found another place to stay. It was relaxing!

    Please know I am thinking of you and hope the best for you!

    Kath

    So many giving hearts here!
    Thank you, Kath, for your very kind words. I hope I am able to contribute something here, since I have certainly received so much support and information during my hard times.

    Now, though, the only leftover issue is a financial one. I am trying to accept help, and all of you have helped me feel less guilty about that. This is all my own "stuff"--my parents, dead for years, since live inside my head.

    Myrtle Beach is on my list of places to visit, and I have heard that it's gorgeous and relaxing. Good for you that you decided to extend your stay.

    I hope for the best for all of us. Again, you are some of the finest women I have ever known.

    Jill
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    Rewriter said:

    So many giving hearts here!
    Thank you, Kath, for your very kind words. I hope I am able to contribute something here, since I have certainly received so much support and information during my hard times.

    Now, though, the only leftover issue is a financial one. I am trying to accept help, and all of you have helped me feel less guilty about that. This is all my own "stuff"--my parents, dead for years, since live inside my head.

    Myrtle Beach is on my list of places to visit, and I have heard that it's gorgeous and relaxing. Good for you that you decided to extend your stay.

    I hope for the best for all of us. Again, you are some of the finest women I have ever known.

    Jill

    (((JILL)))
    Oh, Jill.....I hope you can feel my big cyber hug!

    I am so sorry that you are having such a struggle. I think Mary Ann and Linda have given you some excellent advice and lots of HOPE! You have raised an issue that impacts so many, but unfortunately, there are no easy solutions. I think by sharing the resources out there, many more will find help and hope!

    When one starts the journey of cancer treatment, it is generally a year out of one’s life at a minimum. Not many people can survive on their own resources for that long. And then, because of an inability to work, a job is lost, along with insurance benefits and retirement savings. When one is ready to re-enter the work force, it is almost impossible to find a new job!

    I was fortunate in that I had retired about 9 months before I was diagnosed. There was NO WAY I could have managed my job while I was in treatment. Not only was my energy zapped, but my brain was not always “firing” correctly. And unfortunately, although better, I still have difficulty multi-tasking and planning….things I did all the time without even thinking about it!

    If there was a formula to calculate the true impact that cancer has on a life, we would have to find one that calculated the mental, physical, emotional and financial toll….plus increase it exponentially for all of the long lasting effects that are always with us. Not being a mathematician, I only know it is HUGE but is not really well known by the general public.

    I applaud you for your bravery in addressing this struggle publicly and think so many others will learn too! This whole issue is HUGE and far reaching!

    Know that I am sending positive energy to you as you walk into that office to seek financial assistance! Thinking about you!!

    Love, Karen
  • Northwoodsgirl
    Northwoodsgirl Member Posts: 571
    Financial Problems
    I also have gone through my liquid assets due to loss of employment just prior to diagnosis and lengthy time of treatment and recovery. Unfortunately I am not old enough to pull out of 401k without penalty.
    It is a challenge to get employment again after cancer and also the age descrimination that is prevelant in our corporate world.
    I am about to accept a position as a consultant which has no benefits. My COBRA goes for another 11 months and hope to find regular FTE position by then. I am looking at lower level positions from prior to my diagnosis because quite frankly I know that mentally and physically I am not what I use to be pre cancer treatment.
    I have gone through all of my stock and cash holdings. All I have left is my home (falling in value and 401k also falling in value) as so many of you have and know so well.
    Looking for a break but trusting the will of God to lead me to the right opportunity. I am thankful for NED!
    As far as food stamps go take all you can get. Think of all the taxes and donations you have likely given before cancer. You are learning to receive the help of others and will play it forward when you have a chance. I felt the same way about unemployment insurance benefits after being a six figure earner for many years. But now I look at it as something I have paid into and deserve to collect until I can find a job again.
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596

    Financial Problems
    I also have gone through my liquid assets due to loss of employment just prior to diagnosis and lengthy time of treatment and recovery. Unfortunately I am not old enough to pull out of 401k without penalty.
    It is a challenge to get employment again after cancer and also the age descrimination that is prevelant in our corporate world.
    I am about to accept a position as a consultant which has no benefits. My COBRA goes for another 11 months and hope to find regular FTE position by then. I am looking at lower level positions from prior to my diagnosis because quite frankly I know that mentally and physically I am not what I use to be pre cancer treatment.
    I have gone through all of my stock and cash holdings. All I have left is my home (falling in value and 401k also falling in value) as so many of you have and know so well.
    Looking for a break but trusting the will of God to lead me to the right opportunity. I am thankful for NED!
    As far as food stamps go take all you can get. Think of all the taxes and donations you have likely given before cancer. You are learning to receive the help of others and will play it forward when you have a chance. I felt the same way about unemployment insurance benefits after being a six figure earner for many years. But now I look at it as something I have paid into and deserve to collect until I can find a job again.

    sisters,

    i agree with northwooodsgirl and others, that there is no shame attached to applying for foodstamps and ssdi. i'm a social worker, as well as is mary ann, and while i'm in private practice now, i used to work for the bureau of public assistance in l.a., and in alameda county (east bay across from san francisico), so know all the different people who had fallen on hard times and made use of food stamps. that's why they're there. actually, in my day, most of those who applied for food stamps were temporarily poor students; i'm sure with this economy and earlier, it's more the permanently poor.

    it sounds like you are going to apply for ssdi benefits, to which i, too, think you are entitled. i'm very glad you thought to post your financial concerns here. also glad to hear that maybe your financial difficulties will soon be more resolved. i've been fortunate that my partner has a decent job with good benefits, that includes good health benefits for me. i also waited to apply for social security until i could earn whatever i could without my social security benefits being reduced. so that $1500 a month comes in handy, especially since my partner had been on workers comp because of an on-the-job injury. so we, too, have had to use savings to get by. i expect to be back to work in late september, but also expect a number of my clients, who have been waiting for treatment to be over, will be terminating. so i can't count on the monies i'm used to making from my practice. still, it will be good to get back to work.

    in any case, i'm glad you're taking the advice of those on this board and applying for ssdi either in person, on line, by phone, how ever you decide to do so. remember, you are ENTITLED to these.

    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member

    sisters,

    i agree with northwooodsgirl and others, that there is no shame attached to applying for foodstamps and ssdi. i'm a social worker, as well as is mary ann, and while i'm in private practice now, i used to work for the bureau of public assistance in l.a., and in alameda county (east bay across from san francisico), so know all the different people who had fallen on hard times and made use of food stamps. that's why they're there. actually, in my day, most of those who applied for food stamps were temporarily poor students; i'm sure with this economy and earlier, it's more the permanently poor.

    it sounds like you are going to apply for ssdi benefits, to which i, too, think you are entitled. i'm very glad you thought to post your financial concerns here. also glad to hear that maybe your financial difficulties will soon be more resolved. i've been fortunate that my partner has a decent job with good benefits, that includes good health benefits for me. i also waited to apply for social security until i could earn whatever i could without my social security benefits being reduced. so that $1500 a month comes in handy, especially since my partner had been on workers comp because of an on-the-job injury. so we, too, have had to use savings to get by. i expect to be back to work in late september, but also expect a number of my clients, who have been waiting for treatment to be over, will be terminating. so i can't count on the monies i'm used to making from my practice. still, it will be good to get back to work.

    in any case, i'm glad you're taking the advice of those on this board and applying for ssdi either in person, on line, by phone, how ever you decide to do so. remember, you are ENTITLED to these.

    sisterhood,
    maggie

    A heartfelt thank you for the advice and encouragement
    I applied for and received food stamps, which should be a big help. Initially, I received "emergency" benefits but must now wait about 30 days until my application is formally approved.

    As for SSDI, I submitted the first two pages of my application and received a much more extensive application that asks for all kinds of income and medical information. I now am hesitating to fill this out and may withdraw the application entirely because a new book project is in the wings. I need to speak to the people at the SSA to find out what penalties, if any, exist if I withdraw my application now. Does anyone know whether this withdrawal will affect my chances for approval if I refile a number of months from now?

    I need to be working. My brain craves the stimulation, and I remain really good at what I do. The major issue is not being able to hear well enough to attend conferences or to conduct the international interviews that comprised some of my necessary research. However, my hope is that I can transfer my skills to something not involving conference attendance or much conference call/speaker phone contact.

    I am bringing this thread to the front so that women experiencing financial difficulties can read about the help available.

    Jill
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    Rewriter said:

    A heartfelt thank you for the advice and encouragement
    I applied for and received food stamps, which should be a big help. Initially, I received "emergency" benefits but must now wait about 30 days until my application is formally approved.

    As for SSDI, I submitted the first two pages of my application and received a much more extensive application that asks for all kinds of income and medical information. I now am hesitating to fill this out and may withdraw the application entirely because a new book project is in the wings. I need to speak to the people at the SSA to find out what penalties, if any, exist if I withdraw my application now. Does anyone know whether this withdrawal will affect my chances for approval if I refile a number of months from now?

    I need to be working. My brain craves the stimulation, and I remain really good at what I do. The major issue is not being able to hear well enough to attend conferences or to conduct the international interviews that comprised some of my necessary research. However, my hope is that I can transfer my skills to something not involving conference attendance or much conference call/speaker phone contact.

    I am bringing this thread to the front so that women experiencing financial difficulties can read about the help available.

    Jill

    penalty
    JIll, I'm not expert but this is my understanding.

    I don't think there is any penalty if you don't complete the application. Benefits are based on date of application. Once you submit a completed application they will ask for documentation and then proceed to make their decision. Appeals can be made. It's pretty cut and dry I think. Calling them is probably the best bet.
  • Sara Zipora
    Sara Zipora Member Posts: 231
    daisy366 said:

    penalty
    JIll, I'm not expert but this is my understanding.

    I don't think there is any penalty if you don't complete the application. Benefits are based on date of application. Once you submit a completed application they will ask for documentation and then proceed to make their decision. Appeals can be made. It's pretty cut and dry I think. Calling them is probably the best bet.

    Social Security visit
    I applied last summer (2010) and was rejected from getting disability. What with Dx- Stage iv b grade III , surgery and Chemo I was sure I was a 'shoe-in', but no. I was too tired to fight. This summer I went in at 8:30am, at first they said I could have an appointment in three weeks. I became teary eyed, not like me, and said that who knew what three weeks would bring and they did have early 'walk-in' hour posted. They took me. I asked how I could possibly be rejected when I was such a sick bunny-had post surgery staging info with me. It took an hour, I received $8000 'rebate' and about $150-200 don't recall right now, increase in monthly payments. That was July it is now end of Sept and haven't seen money as yet, but Run don't walk to SS office in your area, find out their 'drop in' times, and bring along tissues for yourself (and agent)! We deserve at least this level of attention for being contributing members, after all it is our money that we put in during 'better days'.

    Good luck, be incredulous and at the same humbled that you could be treated thus by your national insurance, SS. Certainly you have nothing to be embarrassed about, as I said, whatever you get is a result of the money YOU contributed to SS!

    Onward Warriorettes!

    Sara
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member

    Social Security visit
    I applied last summer (2010) and was rejected from getting disability. What with Dx- Stage iv b grade III , surgery and Chemo I was sure I was a 'shoe-in', but no. I was too tired to fight. This summer I went in at 8:30am, at first they said I could have an appointment in three weeks. I became teary eyed, not like me, and said that who knew what three weeks would bring and they did have early 'walk-in' hour posted. They took me. I asked how I could possibly be rejected when I was such a sick bunny-had post surgery staging info with me. It took an hour, I received $8000 'rebate' and about $150-200 don't recall right now, increase in monthly payments. That was July it is now end of Sept and haven't seen money as yet, but Run don't walk to SS office in your area, find out their 'drop in' times, and bring along tissues for yourself (and agent)! We deserve at least this level of attention for being contributing members, after all it is our money that we put in during 'better days'.

    Good luck, be incredulous and at the same humbled that you could be treated thus by your national insurance, SS. Certainly you have nothing to be embarrassed about, as I said, whatever you get is a result of the money YOU contributed to SS!

    Onward Warriorettes!

    Sara

    NOW I am feeling powerful
    Remember the book Sisterhood Is Powerful, edited by Robin Morgan and published in the early days of the second wave of feminism? Well, sisterhood IS powerful--no matter what the reason for sisters getting together.

    Thank you for empowering me. I knew I could turn to you.

    Love,

    Jill
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    Rewriter said:

    NOW I am feeling powerful
    Remember the book Sisterhood Is Powerful, edited by Robin Morgan and published in the early days of the second wave of feminism? Well, sisterhood IS powerful--no matter what the reason for sisters getting together.

    Thank you for empowering me. I knew I could turn to you.

    Love,

    Jill

    Looking for a follow up, please.
    Please share the outcome, if you like. I bet there are others who would benefit from your insight. Good luck. Hope you get some help.
  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
    norma2 said:

    Looking for a follow up, please.
    Please share the outcome, if you like. I bet there are others who would benefit from your insight. Good luck. Hope you get some help.

    Thanks, everyone
    Yesterday, right after I got home from my doctor appt., I received a letter from the SSA stating that if I did not complete my disability application by October 4, it would be automatically rejected. Today, I plan to do some soul-searching; and I will certainly share the outcome.

    I do hope that by living our lives openly on this board, we help each other face our hard times--whether solely based on health or extending to what I call "cancer fallout"--the emotional and financial toll that cancer takes and that no one apart from a fellow traveler seems to understand.
  • upsofloating
    upsofloating Member Posts: 466 Member
    Rewriter said:

    Thanks, everyone
    Yesterday, right after I got home from my doctor appt., I received a letter from the SSA stating that if I did not complete my disability application by October 4, it would be automatically rejected. Today, I plan to do some soul-searching; and I will certainly share the outcome.

    I do hope that by living our lives openly on this board, we help each other face our hard times--whether solely based on health or extending to what I call "cancer fallout"--the emotional and financial toll that cancer takes and that no one apart from a fellow traveler seems to understand.

    I understand your dilemma,
    I understand your dilemma, Jill. I had such a difficult time acknowledging becoming a 'disabled' person. My med-onc was quite unsupportive of approving any disability beyond 3 weeks post last chemo infusion (first go-round) despite all the residual effects I was dealing (and continue to deal) with. Luckily a new PCP was understanding and willing to file all necessary paperwork which led to LT disability approval, without which I do not know how I could have managed. But still the status is hard for me to state when asked by others 'what I do.' The DI & SSDI income will help for the next few years but, not working and not contributing to retirement needs, is scary. However, I am determined to believe I have 'a long term' to be concerned about!

    Thinking of you as you struggle with your decision-making.
    Annie
  • california_artist
    california_artist Member Posts: 816 Member
    You know, Jill
    I think your new picture just says it all, you look truly radiant. Truly.

    You will live long and prosper. or as I prefer to say, prosper and then live long, makes things way easier.

    Getting again interested and looking for opportunities to do what you love will help you to stay as vibrantly interested in life, as you are today. I will begin my painting again, you your writing.

    With love and admiration, your fellow traveler,
    in creativity and life. Say hello to New York City for me, would you? I really miss it, terribly.

    Claudia