ITS A NO GO...UGH

So after applying for SSD this past January, I finally got my denial letter yesterday. They sent me to a psychologist a few weeks ago and I told him about the pain I am in every day, not sleeping well at night, I failed the memory test he gave me, I told him about my anxiety and depression, and the fact that I cannot sit, stand or walk for a long period of time. Still, they feel that although I have herniated discs in my lower back that I can get a sedentary job. WHAT??? Are they just a bunch of idiots?? I am so disgusted right now.
I also told all of my doctors that I needed to go out on a medical leave from my job because I could not do it physically or mentally anymore. My supervisor was ready to "let me go". I cannot hold down a job period. My state disability runs out in two weeks. I have applied for their LTD through their private company. If they approve me then I can hire an attorney to help me with SSD. If they deny me, then I have to file for unemployment. This really sucks.

Sorry I had to vent.

I was in the same fix. If you boss fires you for illness you can sue them for not complying with FMLA. Talk to Unemployment Agency about this.

What I did was filed for unemployment while I waited for my LTD to be approved. Make sure the doctor supports you fully. Once LTD kicks in stop Unemployment. At the same time file SSDI. A lawyer will not charge you unless the case is won. He will get only 25% of back pay or max $6000.

However be prepared for lean times. You can get food stamps, medicaid, and some medications free of charge from the drug companies. Many doctors do a sliding fee on uninsured patients. My primary is $70 & Specialists are $80-$100. I get my bloodwork and testing done through the local hospital who does sliding fees on me.

I'm at the Hearing stage of the SSDI process. 80% are turned down on first application. 90% at the appeal. 50% at the Hearing.
I applied last November for my SSDI. You have to be quick with the paperwork. Some days you have only 10 days to get back to them.

It's a bumpy road, but hold on.

Linchu- please don't give up on it. We all go through the denials. It does make you frustrated, especially knowing how sick you are. I applied my first time and got denied. At the time I didn't even know I could appeal. So I went back to work and struggled for another 2 years. I finally was encourage by my Dr's to apply. I was literally on my death bed. I had a list of medical problems, but I think my mental health issues got me the disability.

I didn't get a lawyer and got it the second time. I do still receive long term through my old work place. Long term can be hard to get. Then when you get it, they try to get every reason not to pay you. It takes lots of paper work to keep them happy and off your butt. Lol

Just remember each time you go to the Dr's let them know how you feel. Have everything documented. Find supportive Dr's too. Just don't give up, that is what they want you to do.

It took a few years to get on the road to recovery. I was so sick for so long I almost died. It has been a life savor for me to stop work. I still have some bad days. I can at leat rest when I need too.

This is the issue as I am sure many of you have gone thru this. If I get denied from Prudential for LTD (thru my company) I have NO income. Who is going to pay for my mortgage and all the other bills I have?? I don't want to lose my house. So if this happens, I have to file for unemployment which means I am ready, willing and able to go back to work. Someone told me that you can't be on unemployment and pursue an SSD claim. They will definitely deny you.

I was supposed to go back to work on April 8th of this year. I extended my medical leave to July 8th. My supervisor contacted me and said that she needed me back in April and FT status. I told her I was not well yet and could not go back. She spoke to her boss and they decided to post the job and hired someone else. I could not do that job anymore anyway. Too stressful physically and mentally.