Posted by Torrey on April 27, 1999, at 3:37:08
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
Nikki, the thing you should understand is that Social Security Disability is designed for cases of "permanent and total" disability, meaning that there is no likelihood of recovery in the foreseeable future. You need to make a judgement call for yourself, before you even begin the often long and difficult process of applying for it. If all you need is "time-out" - six months, say - I would look for another solution.
If your State has a shorter-term disability insurance, that would be the place to start, in any case. It is vastly easier to qualify, and you can get benefits quickly. The dollar amount is based on how much you earned in your last job, and it is a time-limited program. The assumption here is that you will get better and return to work, but there is nothing to prevent you from applying for Social Security Disability in the meantime.
If the truth is that your mental illness prevents you from being able to sustain *any* kind of employment, that is something you need to come to terms with. There is nothing shameful about it, it is like any other form of disability. And if that is the case, you should apply for Social Security Disability without delay. Be prepared to have your application denied, and for possible lengthy appeals in order to qualify. Be sure you have your doctor's approval and support - you will need it.
Good luck and best wishes,
Torrey
poster:Torrey
thread:5320
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/5345.html