State Disability, Social Security, Social Security Disability

Just thought I would pass this info on to anyone who might find it helpful. I may have mentioned some of this before.

My last day of work was 2/26/2010. I was ill but didn't know the horrible truth yet. After literally begging my doctor for more tests I was given the CT scan which forever changed my life. I applied for State Disability (I live in California) and because of my diagnosis I began receiving benefits effective 3/01/2010. I was also receiving sick pay form my job. I went through treatment and though I pretty much knew I wouldn't return to work regardless of the outcome, I waited until the end of my treatment to decide and I retired effective 11/30/2010. My doctor was releasing me 12/01/2010. I applied for Social Security (I was 63).

I applied online and a few days later received a call from a worker at the SS office. She advised me that I should be applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) which puzzled me because I knew my doctors were releasing me to go back to work. She said she would apply for me and asked a few more questions. She then informed me that when a person is off work for five months and receiving State Disability (DIB) they are eligible to receive SSDI for the length of their disability as well. I explained that I was also receiving sick pay and she said that didn't matter.

She told me I could choose to begin receiving the SS in October. I asked how that could be since I wasn't retiring until 11/30/2010. She said because of my earnings for the year; I had only worked January and February. Well, who is going to turn money down?

So I received sick pay and DIB from 3/01/2010, began receiving SSDI (retro payments) effective 8/01/2010 and my regular SS started 10/01/2010. I was subsequently approved for permanent SSDI effective 10/01/2010 and received retro payments. This might sound muddled; I did not receive SS and SSDI at the same time. I was receiving SS and was switched to SSDI. She also informed me that I might receive the DIB for a full year even if I went back to work. I did receive the DIB through February even though I called and informed them that I had retired.

I had worked for the government at the county level issuing public benefits for 17 years and my head was still spinning. The worker called me and requested a copy of my W-2 form for 2010 when I received it because she said she may be able to increase my benefits based on the actual income I earned. The income I listed on my application was considered an estimate because the year had not ended. I did receive an increase and retro payments again.

I am writing this because even with my background I would have missed out on some of these benefits if not for an efficient worker. I couldn't believe I would be considered disabled when I could have returned to my job. I later checked on the Social Security website and ovarian cancer is listed as a compassionate allowance condition which enables a person to receive benefits.

I qualified for SSDI because of my earnings and work history but there are other SS programs. Contact the Social Security Administration for information specific to your situation.

I am sorry this went on so long but I know money issues can make this ordeal even more difficult but there may be help available.

Karen