retirement and disability

I was wondering if anyone has had to deal with s.s. disability regarding PCa and how difficult it is to be awarded disability. I work as a pipefitter at a pulp and paper mill and although my health remains reletively good I know that I need to plan for the future. I will not be ellligble to retire from my job until september 11 2009. How many hoops do I need to jump through. I am also a bit in debt to unvle sam and am wondering if I can settle with them when I am no longer working as I will not be able to afford the payments. Finances and how I leave my wife are my biggest concern even though I do not plan on this happening for a good long time. Todd

Hi Todd,

You can visit the Social Security web site and click on the "disability" button. There is a fairly extensive explanation of disabilities that qualify and the procdures for doing so. There is also information on spousal and minor children benefits since you mention that you want to see what can be done for your wife.

Sometimes your employer will also allow a disability claim and early retirement without penalties. I suppose you are covered under the collective bargaining agreement. Take a close look at it to see what is allowed.

Best of luck to you.

Don

Here is the link to the disability site.

http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_disability.htm