nogutsnoglory
Moderator
This support group is for those who are out on temporary or permanent disability or whom are unemployed. We can offer one another support and guidance on the issues we face.
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yes on the system for almost two yearsIs anyone familiar with the unemployment pay system in the U.S.
Do I file in person or online? How long does it take to get approved?
I also need to apply for COBRA. I believe my former job is mandated by law to send me the appropriate paperwork?
That has probably changed. Most likely that is handled online now. I can't guarantee it, but the trend is to move away from people physically coming in. everything is done online.My concern is I think I need to show up weekly at an office to prove I have been looking for a job. I know my parents said that's how it used to be but maybe it changed.
If you still live in New York, I'm fairly certain that has changed and you shouldn't have to physically go to the unemployment office, and should be able to take cre of everything on-line. Yes, technically you have to be looking for a job, usually unemployment requires you apply for at least 2 jobs a week, but applying for jobs on-line counts -- just make sure you keep a record of the jobs you apply for, just in case you are ever required to produce proof of your job search, but they rarely check up, and no, I doubt that you will have to actually ever provide proof of your job search.My concern is I think I need to show up weekly at an office to prove I have been looking for a job. I know my parents said that's how it used to be but maybe it changed.
I see no harm in trying Paddy Holmes. Have you read through this? http://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/downloads/disability/AdultGuide.pdf It walks you through how to apply and explains how you're eligible.I've been away from the forum for a while, I've been having an attack of the blues and lost all interest in communicating. Having come across this thread I notice that there are no posts from the UK. I've tried to get some sort of benefit as I'm seriously barely able to leave the house , quite apart from doing a job. Agrophobia brought about by my ileostomy which is VERY active. I've got short bowel syndrome as they've had to remove such a lot of bowel...so how does anyone think I am in the benefit stakes?
I feel I should qualify for disability as I cannot function out of my home. The present UK government has made it almost impossible to qualify for that beneit. Does anyone have any advice for me?:ybatty:
I saw your post and was wondering if you had a LTD policy at your job?I had to stop working in 2004 after a 20+ year career in IT. I was diagnosed with Crohn's is 1975 at 13, and I always have to be on at least 5mg prednisone to keep Crohn's relatively well controlled. It was getting more and more difficult to work, and when I finally had surgeries in 2004 & 2005, that was it for my career. I was devastated at first, but once I started to reap the benefits of not practically killing myself by working and not having the energy to take the best care of myself, I began feeling much better about not working.
Anyway, just thought I'd say "hi" and offer any advice to those applying for SSDI. Because I had to go to court to get approved, I get reviewed every three years. I'm due for another review this year. Every review is a bit nerve wracking, but my docs support my disability status, and deep down I know I wouldn't be here if I hadn't finally given up working.
Yes, thank goodness. It pays a small portion of my prior salary in addition to what social security pays. The total is nowhere near what I earned while working, but my needs & wants are modest.I saw your post and was wondering if you had a LTD policy at your job?
I didn't want to, but complications and sepsis from a botched resection made the decision for me. I was so sick in hospital for so long that my friends got the forms and helped me fill them out. I was still there when SS called for my phone interview. I remember being flat on my back with two pumps and multi-lumen PIC *and* central lines.Good for you!
I'm kinda in the same boat but I don't think I am ready to file yet.
Yes, definitely appeal, and if that's denied, get an attorney and go before a judge. It took three years before I finally got it, but it was retroactive once the judge ruled in my favor. He said I never should have been denied in the first place.Be sure to appeal bumdeal87 if you're denied. Most people are denied their first time applying. Always appeal.![]()
Yes, if I've been doing fairly well for even a short while I start to forget just how serious Crohn's can be. Unfortunately I usually get a strong reminder from these guts of mine. ;-)Wow, my heart goes out to you for being so strong. It's story's like this that make me realize just how serious this disease really is!!!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
I think many of us have to be prodded by others to apply. My rule for myself was "if I can drag myself out of bed, I am fit for work." As my health tanked, my worst fear was that I'd end up unable to work and on disability. Having to fight for it when I was terribly ill (and housebound) while feeling guilty about not being able to work was horrible. It took years to overcome my guilt over being unable to work. Even now I sometimes miss my former career, but honestly, ending up on disability probably saved my life. And sick or not, I'm glad to be alive.... It was at the suggestion of my doc that I decided to apply...would never have thought of it on my own since I just figured this was my life. I felt almost guilty applying...but since I can not leave my house I figured it was worth a shot. No reason not to hope for the best!
That's very good question???I wonder if Obamacare will make it easier to apply for disability.
Those are both very good questions!!That's very good question???
Or will I be penalized for not having health care coverage if I am out of work!
Thanks for the encouragement!I think many of us have to be prodded by others to apply. My rule for myself was "if I can drag myself out of bed, I am fit for work." As my health tanked, my worst fear was that I'd end up unable to work and on disability. Having to fight for it when I was terribly ill (and housebound) while feeling guilty about not being able to work was horrible. It took years to overcome my guilt over being unable to work. Even now I sometimes miss my former career, but honestly, ending up on disability probably saved my life. And sick or not, I'm glad to be alive.
Docs don't suggest patients apply for disability without good reason, and without the stress and strain on your body from pushing yourself so hard to work, you just may regain some health.
Best of luck to you!
4 Beta
Sorry Kit, I loved my career also and just couldn't keep up with the stress and demand. Applied for less stressful jobs and I am over qualified. I wonder if SSI will take that into consideration??@bumdeal87 Support and hugs go to you during this process. I agree with twokatmew "without the stress and strain on your body from pushing yourself so hard to work, you just may regain some health"
@Twokatmew I felt guilty about not working too, but I didn't have much of a life outside work and was stressed all the time. Unfortunately I don't feel like i can apply for disability since my Crohn's symptoms and bloodwork seem to show I am in remission. I just don't have the energy anymore to continue with the career I was in.
Thanks for listening. sigh.
Kit
It's very difficult to pin down an average because it's based on your past work history. You could go to SS website and login to find out your exact history and I believe it will inform you on your eligibility.Does anyone know how much disability pays on average? I don't know if its a federal or state thing. Also I think you need to have worked 10 years to be eligible. I don't have that much time under my belt because I'm younger and went to school. I did hear about another disability plan SSDI? I don't know if I want to go this route because I'm praying in time ill be ok to return to work and I know the process is insane. I feel like applying is saying I'm not going to get better and I'm basically giving up.
I wish good luck and improved health.Sorry, I can't give any advice about disability as I know it works a lot differently in the UK as it does in the US.
I just wanted to post that it is my last day at work tomorrow. I have been counting down the four weeks notice as it's been very tough at times. Had 2 or 3 really bad shifts where I just wanted to give up and walk out or cry, but I didn't. A bit apprehensive about not doing anything and where I'm going from here, but I'm just relieved that I won't have to struggle in that job anymore. Thanks for all your help when I posted on here before.
That's why I prefer a lawyer to handle my SSI case.Oops thanks for the correction. This is an intimidating area that I hope I won't have to pursue. Disability and unemployment claims have been stressful enough when you are sick as a dog.
I guess what I am asking is do I need to get my GI doc on board with me wishes first or should I see a lawyer first.What about someone who is working now but feels that they are wearing down as a result of the many illness surrounding Crohns?
Any advice?
Doc first. Without a sympathetic doc on board, a lawyer can't be much help.I guess what I am asking is do I need to get my GI doc on board with me wishes first or should I see a lawyer first.
I guess I will need to discuss with my doc during my next appt.I'd talk to your doctor about it Donk4263. You can still be working and apply for SSI and/or SSDI as you do need money to pay for rent, bills, food, etc. Some lawyers work with their own doctors as well (mine does) and wont need your current doctors to say anything at all.