disability

  I hope you guys are having a good day.  I have a question.  From what I hear from friends, state disabilty (california) only lasts one year, then all you get is social security.  But one person tod my wife, you could get permanent disabilty with a chronic disease (she has sickle cell anemia).  I am currently working a very strenuous job, and attending school at night.  I fear that my MS may progress before I graduate, and want to know how long I can get disability untill I teach?  Any ideas?  Thanks again, and I hope you are as well as you can be.  I have been off for a few days, a bit troubling.

Gunzen,

I live in CA too, but my disability insurance is through a private insurance company my former employer uses, so I am not very familiar with CA state disability/fed social security either. I have a very basic (and hopefully not inaccurate…lol) understanding of how this all works. Basically, you can have CA Short Term Disability for up to 52 weeks, and then need to apply for Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income (federal programs) for further coverage. http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

 I believe that applying for SSDI is often quite a lengthy process, and people are frequently turned down the first time they apply. You are only eligible for SSDI if you have worked for a certain number of years (paid into it long enough), otherwise you can apply for SSI, which is a needs-based program and has income restrictions. I am not totally clear on the finer details of how this all goes together, but it is my understanding that yes, anything beyond 52 weeks and you are dealing with the federal government (social security), not the state. I do know that there are non-profits out there that will help you with these kinds of questions, as well as assistance with your application(s).

Best of luck to you.

Sunny

     I am usually on Fibro or CP boards, but recently got a "probably MS' dx, like so many of you.

     Re disability. Rhonda, I, too live in Mississippi, in Bay St Louis Katrina Land! There is no state disability that I am aware of-only thru employers or paid insurance. My family has been struggling thru the loss of EVERYTHING to Karina, while I have been battling SSI for almost 2 years, this is normal, Still have 6 months to 1 year til I see a ALJ judge. So, to folks in othe states with disability plans, use up everything you can and start your SSI application ASAP.

     Nice to be here, Lots of good info-had an MRI for a concussion and ended up with maybe MS,,,have a spinal tap in 2 weeks and another MRI of legs and back and consult w" another neurologist. I am sooo tired of MD appts!! I want my life back-lol.

     Talk to u soon Maggie

Very good evening, Gunzen:

Wow.  You sure have a lot on your table.  A lot.

...as  they say in current sports vernacular, ...you 'da man!!!

John