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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 0:33:27
I'm thinking I might have to go on disability for awhile as my savings have run out and I'm not working. I have found it impossible to sustain any kind of job search because of being depressed.
I have heard the disability payment amounts are very low. I assume the sources I heard this from were talking about a federal disability program although I'm not familiar with what programs exist. (I'm in the US, by the way.) Is it actually enough to live on? Does everyone get the same amount or is there a range of payment levels? Also, how do they determine whether or not you're eligible? And must you have reached the brink of poverty (which I think I have) before you'll be considered?
Posted by kiddo on January 3, 2002, at 2:03:21
In reply to Is disability enough to live on?, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 0:33:27
HI-
Yes, disability payments are lousy, but if you are receiving no income at all, it would help at least a little. The amount increases if you have dependents though.
I'm not sure what state you live in, and if there are any laws pertaining to the specifics (although it's a Federal thing-but who knows).
There is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI).
It's a very stressful process, drawn out and I'll bet that you are denied the first time around (I was too). First, my pdocs recommendation wasn't enough and they wanted me to be seen by an 'independent therapist' for evaluation. It didn't happen. Her address was 666 xxxxx Street, and I told 'em no way-not there. I also asked them how they expected someone who'd never met me to make a determination better than my psychiatrist of 5 years? They sent him a list of questions and he replied with a 4 page letter. I was approved.
However, they do back pay from the beginning of your determined disability date-which can be the last time you worked.
You are automatically qualified for Medicare when you become legally disabled-regardless of your age. (not Medicaid)
You have to be persistent and not let it get you down though. Keep me posted on how it goes, k?
Hope that helps a bit.
Kiddo
> I'm thinking I might have to go on disability for awhile as my savings have run out and I'm not working. I have found it impossible to sustain any kind of job search because of being depressed.
>
> I have heard the disability payment amounts are very low. I assume the sources I heard this from were talking about a federal disability program although I'm not familiar with what programs exist. (I'm in the US, by the way.) Is it actually enough to live on? Does everyone get the same amount or is there a range of payment levels? Also, how do they determine whether or not you're eligible? And must you have reached the brink of poverty (which I think I have) before you'll be considered?
Posted by susan C on January 3, 2002, at 13:29:44
In reply to Is disability enough to live on?, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 0:33:27
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
http://www.severe.net/
http://www.bu.edu/cpr/jobschool/index.htmlHi, I went through applying for SSDI last year. Here are three sites I have found, the first one in particular i found very helpful.
I investigated getting an attorney, but decided that I would wait until denied one or two times.
There are many variations of the amount of coverage, depending on your work history contributions and income level and dependant children...I found my local SSA office to be VERY helpful, accurate and thorough. The State office was as well. You can get all the information to start on line. Even a 'what do i qualify for' kind of test...
The back payment is one year back from the date you applied so EVERYONE encourages you to APPLY NOW!!!! even if you feel like you dont know what you are doing. I was approved first time round for SSDI within 6 months or so and had the 18 months automatically deposited in my account. Sometimes the government really does work.
I discovered through this process that I really need a medical advocate who is with me at appointments and helps me fill out forms and keep track of things. It was very difficult for me to fill out the forms. With help, I was very thorough and honest.
If you have any questions, please ask.
mouse behind the filecabinet
> I'm thinking I might have to go on disability for awhile as my savings have run out and I'm not working. I have found it impossible to sustain any kind of job search because of being depressed.
>
> I have heard the disability payment amounts are very low. I assume the sources I heard this from were talking about a federal disability program although I'm not familiar with what programs exist. (I'm in the US, by the way.) Is it actually enough to live on? Does everyone get the same amount or is there a range of payment levels? Also, how do they determine whether or not you're eligible? And must you have reached the brink of poverty (which I think I have) before you'll be considered?
Posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 14:54:00
In reply to Is disability enough to live on?, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 0:33:27
kiddo and susan,
I really appreciate your responses. There is another thing I'm wondering about. Would any of the agencies that administer disability be contacting my former (most recent) employer?
The reason I'm asking is that I'd rather this employer not know I'm applying for disability, because they may be a source of future employment. I left on good terms and they had been pleased with my job performance (even though I had been depressed when employed there and some days it was a struggle just to be there, but they didn't know that). I don't want my image to be affected because I'm on disability. (It disturbs me that people are judged for things like this but realistically speaking I think they are, especially when it comes to employment.)
Along those lines, too, is there any way potential future employers could find out?
Of course, if I can't work, I'll have no other choice, but I'm hoping to be able to find some type of employment. I'm actually feeling somewhat better this month for some reason (possibly due to the 5-HTP I've been taking for a few weeks now). But it's hard to tell if it will last or how long it will take to find something. I think I can make ends meet for a little while longer and maybe try to sign up with a temp agency or something in the meantime.
Thank you again.
Posted by shellir on January 3, 2002, at 15:36:39
In reply to thank you and a couple of questions, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 14:54:00
>
> I really appreciate your responses. There is another thing I'm wondering about. Would any of the agencies that administer disability be contacting my former (most recent) employer?They would have a record of your last employment, if you were getting taxes taken out, so I wouldn't worry that they will call.
> The reason I'm asking is that I'd rather this employer not know I'm applying for disability, because .)
>
> Along those lines, too, is there any way potential future employers could find out?I don't think you really need to worry about that now. There are a million ways to explain unemployed time to a perspective employer and social security would not contact him/her to confirm employment without getting your signature.
>
> Of course, if I can't work, I'll have no other choice, but I'm hoping to be able to find some type of employment. I'm actually feeling somewhat better this month for some reason (possibly due to the 5-HTP I've been taking for a few weeks now). But it's hard to tell if it will last or how long it will take to find something. I think I can make ends meet for a little while longer and maybe try to sign up with a temp agency or something in the meantime.
>
> Thank you again.
I'll give you some feedback from my disabilty time. The advise you were given already is very good. Apply now to get the back payment. If you are rejected the first time, by the time you actually get money, you'll get a large sum. It does take a long time, so don't expect it to solve any immediate financial needs, unfortunately.Disability is difficult to get for depression, especially if you have not been hospitalized. They really don't want to know what you feel like, more what you are able to handle in your daily life. For example, if you can't work, but can do everything else for yourself, they won't give it to you. You need to write that people help you to take care of your house/apartment, getting food, etc. Think of your worst day and what you are not able to do for yourself when you apply. If they give you an appointment with their own psychiatrist, if possible get someone to take you. Say that you have been afraid to drive and can't get around without help.
I'm not really telling you to lie, it's just that disability looks at so many things that really don't relate to work. Yes, I can probably stick a burrito in the microwave when I am very depressed, but that doesn't mean I can tolerate getting to work and staying at work. So I go with saying whatever you need to if you really think that you are either not capable of working, or that working will contribute to your depression right now.
The amount of disability depends on your last pay check and the length of time over the years that you are on record as working and paying into social security. It is possible to legally supplement it (I think you can earn under $500 a month while you're on it). They also have training, as well as incentives to get you back to work. Like as I recall you can work for up to ten months again before you lose your disability, and up to several years before you cannot reinstate it.
For the first application, I would say that doctors and therapists (MDs are higher on the scale of importance than are social workers) are more important than attorneys. My impression is that for the first go-around they don't really contact anyone; for the appeal, then they seem to be awake enough to send forms to your therapist and pdoc.
I do want to reiterate that this is a long process, not a solution to get through a short period of severe depression. If you're not sure, apply anyway, you have nothing to lose and you can always withdraw the application.
Good luck and feel free to ask as many questions as occur to you.
Happy New Year,
Shelli
Posted by susan C on January 3, 2002, at 16:46:16
In reply to thank you and a couple of questions, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 14:54:00
Hi Mist,
I dont know the answer to your question. on the gov site there is a FAQ. Perhaps the answer is there...I do know my previous employers knew i had problems when I left (two times two different employeers in less than a year...(at the time it was dx as chronic clinical depression). But then, I am a "who cares who knows what..kind of person". By the time I applied I had gotten more opinions and the dx became bipolar two and I had changed pdr about 6 months before.
When I went to the pdoc who did SSA evaluations he said the main point he had to determine for SSDI or SSI was whether or not the person is capable of working.
This comment from Shelli could describe me: "You need to write that people help you to take care of your house/apartment, getting food, etc. Think of your worst day and what you are not able to do for yourself when you apply. If they give you an appointment with their own psychiatrist, if possible get someone to take you. Say that you have been afraid to drive and can't get around without help" I feel very strongly that we (as in the mentally ill) each need a medical advocate...
I have not driven a car since a year last fall...my perception is unpredictable...when the appointment came up for SSDI, they offered to send an ambulance or paramedic...I said, oh no, not necessary, my hub will take me...the State person who was handling all of this said she had the discretion to approve up to $25 to pay for transportation, by cab, or even my hub.
So, as usual, we are all different aren't we? I dont know the specifics of your situation, but I encourage you to look at the gov site, wander around a bit, get your estimated coverage there (or you should be getting a statement in the mail from Social Security Administration regularly) and remember it is Social Security...it really is that...there is a reason it is there, and that is to be used. Then if you want, call your local office, it really is confidential, and talk to someone who can answer specific questions...
Have you seen the Leslie Nielson ads for Medicare...oh they crack me up...
mouse trying to be of help
Posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 21:36:28
In reply to Re: thank you and a couple of questions » mist, posted by susan C on January 3, 2002, at 16:46:16
Thank you shelli and susan for the additional info.
These posts make me realize how depressed I've been. I have had trouble functioning even in basic ways. I could ocassionally fake it for very short periods of time then would collapse back into the darkness again. I haven't had anyone to help me so I left a lot undone. As I said earlier, though, I'm feeling better, which I can only attribute to the 5-HTP. (I think the better feeling actually started in the last half of December shortly after I first took it, but fluctuated because of the holidays.) I've been able to do a little more lately and think about what I need to do (even that was impossible for awhile) although I don't think I'm out of the woods yet.
How do you find a medical advocate?
-mist
P.S. susan, no I haven't seen the Leslie Nielson ads, I'm afraid I'm somewhat out of it when it comes to things like that at the moment. Where do they appear?
Posted by susan C on January 3, 2002, at 22:42:11
In reply to Re: thank you and a couple of questions, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 21:36:28
> Thank you shelli and susan for the additional info.
>
> These posts make me realize how depressed I've been. I have had trouble functioning even in basic ways. I could ocassionally fake it for very short periods of time then would collapse back into the darkness again. I haven't had anyone to help me so I left a lot undone. As I said earlier, though, I'm feeling better, which I can only attribute to the 5-HTP. (I think the better feeling actually started in the last half of December shortly after I first took it, but fluctuated because of the holidays.) I've been able to do a little more lately and think about what I need to do (even that was impossible for awhile) although I don't think I'm out of the woods yet.
>
> How do you find a medical advocate?I use that term to describe someone who is close to you, that you trust, that will go with you to appointments, that you literally trust with your life and puts up with you (you as in me) will help keep track of things...a challenge with me, cause i always hear things backwards...I swear, swear that it was the other way...I sometimes even speak backwards...saying the complete opposit of what i mean.
I think there maybe ways to get help through otherways...there was a series of posts from Cindy, is it, who is expecting? and several people gave advice about this topic. I will look to morrow and see if I can find them for you if no one responds.
mouse popping up again...
>
> -mist
>
> P.S. susan, no I haven't seen the Leslie Nielson ads, I'm afraid I'm somewhat out of it when it comes to things like that at the moment. Where do they appear?On television, sorry, i cant be more specific...I will watch, tho and keep you posted, can you tell I am a fan...
Posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 8:49:27
In reply to Re: thank you and a couple of questions, posted by susan C on January 3, 2002, at 22:42:11
> I will look tomorrow and see if I can find them for you if no one responds.
susan (a.k.a. mouse):
I looked at some of the posts on disability in the archives, so you can save yourself the trouble. How kind of you to offer, though!
The medical advocate does sound like a good idea although there is no one I know who'd be right for that. I'm wondering if there are nonprofit agencies working with the disabled or mental health patients who have advocates on staff, who might charge little to nothing? I'm going to try to find out some more information on that.
I have heard of paid medical advocates but you have to, of course, pay them (probably, relative to my financial situation, a lot).
-mist
Posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 9:55:44
In reply to Re: thank you and a couple of questions » susan C, posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 8:49:27
Another question ocurred to me, if you get disability payments from social security does it reduce the amount you'll get after you retire?
Posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 10:27:22
In reply to social security question, posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 9:55:44
> Another question ocurred to me, if you get disability payments from social security does it reduce the amount you'll get after you retire?
The following is from the Social Security Online site (http://www.ssa.gov/ -- a site that you can usually find most answers regarding anything involving social security). This was the answer to a FAQ question on what happens to disability benefits when you reach retirement age. To answer your question, it appears that your benefit does not get reduced when you reach retirment age.
"When you turn full retirement age, nothing will change, except for Social Security purposes, your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.
Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you will get your benefits with no limit on your earnings. These new rules apply for the entire year of 2000, starting back in January.
What is Your Full Retirement Age?Year of Birth Full RetirementAge
1937 or earlier 65
1938 65 and 2 months
1939 65 and 4 months
1940 65 and 6 months
1941 65 and 8 months
1942 65 and 10 months
1943--1954 66
1955 66 and 2 months
1956 66 and 4 months
1957 66 and 6 months
1958 66 and 8 months
1959 66 and 10 months
1960 and later 67"Hope this helps.
akc
Posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 10:58:29
In reply to Re: social security question » mist, posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 10:27:22
my previous post comes across a bit smug -- I had not taken the time to read the entire thread (which I just did) to see that some of the info (like the SSA web-link) had already been provided. I hope my tone did not offend, I do want to be of help.
akc
Posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 11:17:51
In reply to know it all, posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 10:58:29
akc, your post was great. I am so appreciative of everyone who has responded to my questions. I looked at some of the links and will read them more in depth. It helps to have others "translate" them a little initially, share what they know, and give their own experience, too, if they've been on disability.
Thank you,
-mist
> my previous post comes across a bit smug -- I had not taken the time to read the entire thread (which I just did) to see that some of the info (like the SSA web-link) had already been provided. I hope my tone did not offend, I do want to be of help.
>
> akc
Posted by susan C on January 4, 2002, at 12:26:37
In reply to know it all, posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 10:58:29
> my previous post comes across a bit smug -- I had not taken the time to read the entire thread (which I just did) to see that some of the info (like the SSA web-link) had already been provided. I hope my tone did not offend, I do want to be of help.
>
> akcbut honey, YOU are a Know It All and we are very glad of it too. And you do help im men see lee
a mouse with pom poms cheering you on
Posted by susan C on January 4, 2002, at 12:45:01
In reply to social security question, posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 9:55:44
Hi, here is the thread i was referring to...It is Judy (HI JUDY, Hope it is going well) (hey, Like Cindy((HI Cindy)), Judy ends with a dy ...I was close) It is true it is about her pregnancy, but I think you might find some place to start. I clipped a part of one of the posts here too...perhaps public health...?
--------
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87473.htmlMaybe you should hire a mental health advocate to help you during your pregnancy. Check out Bazelon Center for Mental Health law for mental health advocacy groups in your state. The advocate can be part of your "voice" if things really get rough.
--------
Mouse jumping between 'copy' and 'paste'
Posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 13:01:31
In reply to Re: social security question Reference to PB, posted by susan C on January 4, 2002, at 12:45:01
Posted by stjames on January 4, 2002, at 14:41:39
In reply to social security question, posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 9:55:44
My info is 2 years old, but at that point the max benifit for SS disability (either kind) was
500 and some odd dollars.James
Posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 14:55:38
In reply to Wonderful. Thanks again! (nm) » susan C, posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 13:01:31
Again, the SSA site is pretty helpful in determining what your benefit might be. There are three different types of "calulators" available to use. One is real quick, basing its estimate on your current age and salary. The others require you to come up with more data. But you might want to check them out. This can give you a better estimate on what your disability payments might be if you qualify. (Note, if you do the estimation, it first shows your retirement benefit, but just scroll down the page for your disability benefit -- which you will note is estimated to be the same).
Posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 15:17:56
In reply to Calculator, posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 14:55:38
I should have made a note that if your salary has significantly decreased or increased in the past year or two, the real rough estimate based on your current salary may be significantly off-base. If you don't have the energy to use one of the other calculators at this moment, you can do a little averaging for the past couple of years and use that as your current salary -- this will still be a rough estimate, but probably more accurate than that just based on your current salary.
akc
(the non-disability expert)
Posted by stjames on January 5, 2002, at 1:49:07
In reply to Re: social security question, posted by stjames on January 4, 2002, at 14:41:39
> My info is 2 years old, but at that point the max benifit for SS disability (either kind) was
> 500 and some odd dollars.
Opps ! I really need to qualify that. For disabled persons who paid little to nothing into
SS the above is true. For those who have paid into SS, it is not; payments are first based on amount paid, vesting, quarters, ect. SSI can come into play for some people.It does seem unfair that those who are so disabled as to never of worked get the least, but SS rewards working.
The good news is is that is is easier to get off SS now. Prior, if one took a job (earning more than X $) SS pulled the rug out and you were no longer disabled. If you found you could not handle
work or your disability got worse you were back to aquare 1. Now there is a long grace period, where you can try work and not loose benifits.james
Posted by Noa on January 8, 2002, at 18:22:17
In reply to Re: social security question, posted by stjames on January 5, 2002, at 1:49:07
I think there is a folder at yahoo groups PB tips on disability, SSI,etc.
Posted by Marie Inniss on November 1, 2005, at 10:53:35
In reply to Re: social security question » mist, posted by akc on January 4, 2002, at 10:27:22
my question is as follows: If a non custodial parent ,who is obligated to pay child support, collects social security or socail security disability-do they have to pay their child support obligations from that? Also if they do not is there a penalty? also if the non custodial parent does collect ssi benefits is the minor child also eligible for some sort of compensation?
This is the end of the thread.
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