Time to stop work?

[nettle_tea]

Thanks everyone. I've let my doctor know that I won't be returning to work. I'm looking into lawyers to help me figure out whether I have a chance with LTD. There's a very good chance I'll be denied based on the pre-existing condition exclusion. If that happens, I'm not sure how much of a case I have for appeal.

The hardest thing is figuring out whether I should apply for SSDI, or try working part time for a while first. The benefits are based on average salary over the last 10 years, and since I've only been in the workforce the past 5 years, my SSDI benefit amount would ultimately go up as long as I made more than I did in college. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I'm aware that at 31, it's harder to get approved. Plus I would really like to try working part time eventually.

At this point I think I'll wait a few months, see what happens with my upcoming diagnostic tests, talk to a lawyer, and make a decision in the spring. I definitely need more rest, and time to get used to navigating the world in a wheelchair (my chair arrives in about a week, hooray!), before I even think about working again.

 

[DoggerFisher]

good luck @nettle_tea

 

[Dechi]

I wish you the best. With time, often things will fall into place.

 

[rel8ted]

Thanks everyone. I've let my doctor know that I won't be returning to work. I'm looking into lawyers to help me figure out whether I have a chance with LTD. There's a very good chance I'll be denied based on the pre-existing condition exclusion. If that happens, I'm not sure how much of a case I have for appeal.

The hardest thing is figuring out whether I should apply for SSDI, or try working part time for a while first. The benefits are based on average salary over the last 10 years, and since I've only been in the workforce the past 5 years, my SSDI benefit amount would ultimately go up as long as I made more than I did in college. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I'm aware that at 31, it's harder to get approved. Plus I would really like to try working part time eventually.

At this point I think I'll wait a few months, see what happens with my upcoming diagnostic tests, talk to a lawyer, and make a decision in the spring. I definitely need more rest, and time to get used to navigating the world in a wheelchair (my chair arrives in about a week, hooray!), before I even think about working again.

When I applied at 40, I was told it was a long shot because I was young and well educated. We submitted, were denied,appealed and then approved. There was more testing and doc visits between during the appeal phase, but nothing I did not expect.

 

[nettle_tea]

When I applied at 40, I was told it was a long shot because I was young and well educated. We submitted, were denied, appealed and then approved. There was more testing and doc visits between during the appeal phase, but nothing I did not expect.

I'm so glad it worked out for you! I get the sense that if I persist - especially with the support of a lawyer - I will eventually win.