Disability

[bittyhorse23]

I have a few questions about going out on disability. For those of you who have done this or do it now hopefully you can help me. I am sure it varies state to state but a general overview I guess would work!

*Are you allowed to work AT ALL?
*Can you do volunteer work?
*Does the DR have to sign the paperwork saying it is in your best interest to not work?
*Can you go back to working if you choose to at a later time and get off of disability?
*Is there partial disability?

I plan on talking to my social worker the next time I am at my clinic in November but I had a few questions now, as always haha!

I am not sure I want to go out on disability but if it means I get health benefits then it is something I may have to consider. I know I need to work part time but that is hard to get insurance with that and I won't make enough to cover my own insurance premiums.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[bittyhorse23]

I have a few questions about going out on disability. For those of you who have done this or do it now hopefully you can help me. I am sure it varies state to state but a general overview I guess would work!

*Are you allowed to work AT ALL?
*Can you do volunteer work?
*Does the DR have to sign the paperwork saying it is in your best interest to not work?
*Can you go back to working if you choose to at a later time and get off of disability?
*Is there partial disability?

I plan on talking to my social worker the next time I am at my clinic in November but I had a few questions now, as always haha!

I am not sure I want to go out on disability but if it means I get health benefits then it is something I may have to consider. I know I need to work part time but that is hard to get insurance with that and I won't make enough to cover my own insurance premiums.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[bittyhorse23]

I have a few questions about going out on disability. For those of you who have done this or do it now hopefully you can help me. I am sure it varies state to state but a general overview I guess would work!

*Are you allowed to work AT ALL?
*Can you do volunteer work?
*Does the DR have to sign the paperwork saying it is in your best interest to not work?
*Can you go back to working if you choose to at a later time and get off of disability?
*Is there partial disability?

I plan on talking to my social worker the next time I am at my clinic in November but I had a few questions now, as always haha!

I am not sure I want to go out on disability but if it means I get health benefits then it is something I may have to consider. I know I need to work part time but that is hard to get insurance with that and I won't make enough to cover my own insurance premiums.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[bittyhorse23]

I have a few questions about going out on disability. For those of you who have done this or do it now hopefully you can help me. I am sure it varies state to state but a general overview I guess would work!

*Are you allowed to work AT ALL?
*Can you do volunteer work?
*Does the DR have to sign the paperwork saying it is in your best interest to not work?
*Can you go back to working if you choose to at a later time and get off of disability?
*Is there partial disability?

I plan on talking to my social worker the next time I am at my clinic in November but I had a few questions now, as always haha!

I am not sure I want to go out on disability but if it means I get health benefits then it is something I may have to consider. I know I need to work part time but that is hard to get insurance with that and I won't make enough to cover my own insurance premiums.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[bittyhorse23]

I have a few questions about going out on disability. For those of you who have done this or do it now hopefully you can help me. I am sure it varies state to state but a general overview I guess would work!

*Are you allowed to work AT ALL?
*Can you do volunteer work?
*Does the DR have to sign the paperwork saying it is in your best interest to not work?
*Can you go back to working if you choose to at a later time and get off of disability?
*Is there partial disability?

I plan on talking to my social worker the next time I am at my clinic in November but I had a few questions now, as always haha!

I am not sure I want to go out on disability but if it means I get health benefits then it is something I may have to consider. I know I need to work part time but that is hard to get insurance with that and I won't make enough to cover my own insurance premiums.

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[CaliSally]

Hi Amy,
I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.
I live in California. Here we have health insurance designed specifically for those with CF. However, if you have other insurance, this state insurance is the last to be billed...you have to use your other insurances first, like your HMO and medicare.

You asked if you are allowed to work at all. The answer is yes.
There is a program called "Ticket to Work" The main goal of this program is to return temporary diables, back to the work force, getting off disability all together (and off the system). However, it's additional benefit is, as we all know, you can't survive on disability alone. This programs allows you to keep your disability, and still be able to bring in extra income.
There is a catch. You will need to find out how much you are permitted to bring home, before they consider removing your disability income. There is a place that can give you this info. They will give you a monthly or annual amount. I'm in the process of finding this stuff out right now. Another good person to ask is Wheezie...she knows some about this too.
Even IF they decide that you are able to work enough to support yourself without disability and then remove it, you can return to receiving it fairly easily (so I am told). They told me I wouldn't have to go through the approval process again. However, I don't know exactly what I WOULD have to do, perhaps a dr's note?

Yes, a doctor has to sign paperwork stating that you are disabiled.
You can do as much volunteer work as you would like. (The government is only conserned about the money, so if you make money, they want to know about it....they don't want people getting rich off the system, and faking disabilities....)

I was fortunate and was approved for disability my first try. They had me go somewhere and do a spirometry (short pft). I didn't try as hard as I normally would (like at the dr's), only because I didn't want them to have <u>any doubt </u>about needing to be on disability.

For me, it was totally worth it to go on disability. Not only do I not have the stress of HAVING to go to work when I don't feel good...I had more time to take care of me. What I don't know for you is about insurance, do you only have medicare? I don't know how medicare alone treats those with CF, for the reason stated above with our additional state insurance.
best wishes, do what's best for you

 

[CaliSally]

Hi Amy,
I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.
I live in California. Here we have health insurance designed specifically for those with CF. However, if you have other insurance, this state insurance is the last to be billed...you have to use your other insurances first, like your HMO and medicare.

You asked if you are allowed to work at all. The answer is yes.
There is a program called "Ticket to Work" The main goal of this program is to return temporary diables, back to the work force, getting off disability all together (and off the system). However, it's additional benefit is, as we all know, you can't survive on disability alone. This programs allows you to keep your disability, and still be able to bring in extra income.
There is a catch. You will need to find out how much you are permitted to bring home, before they consider removing your disability income. There is a place that can give you this info. They will give you a monthly or annual amount. I'm in the process of finding this stuff out right now. Another good person to ask is Wheezie...she knows some about this too.
Even IF they decide that you are able to work enough to support yourself without disability and then remove it, you can return to receiving it fairly easily (so I am told). They told me I wouldn't have to go through the approval process again. However, I don't know exactly what I WOULD have to do, perhaps a dr's note?

Yes, a doctor has to sign paperwork stating that you are disabiled.
You can do as much volunteer work as you would like. (The government is only conserned about the money, so if you make money, they want to know about it....they don't want people getting rich off the system, and faking disabilities....)

I was fortunate and was approved for disability my first try. They had me go somewhere and do a spirometry (short pft). I didn't try as hard as I normally would (like at the dr's), only because I didn't want them to have <u>any doubt </u>about needing to be on disability.

For me, it was totally worth it to go on disability. Not only do I not have the stress of HAVING to go to work when I don't feel good...I had more time to take care of me. What I don't know for you is about insurance, do you only have medicare? I don't know how medicare alone treats those with CF, for the reason stated above with our additional state insurance.
best wishes, do what's best for you

 

[CaliSally]

Hi Amy,
I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.
I live in California. Here we have health insurance designed specifically for those with CF. However, if you have other insurance, this state insurance is the last to be billed...you have to use your other insurances first, like your HMO and medicare.

You asked if you are allowed to work at all. The answer is yes.
There is a program called "Ticket to Work" The main goal of this program is to return temporary diables, back to the work force, getting off disability all together (and off the system). However, it's additional benefit is, as we all know, you can't survive on disability alone. This programs allows you to keep your disability, and still be able to bring in extra income.
There is a catch. You will need to find out how much you are permitted to bring home, before they consider removing your disability income. There is a place that can give you this info. They will give you a monthly or annual amount. I'm in the process of finding this stuff out right now. Another good person to ask is Wheezie...she knows some about this too.
Even IF they decide that you are able to work enough to support yourself without disability and then remove it, you can return to receiving it fairly easily (so I am told). They told me I wouldn't have to go through the approval process again. However, I don't know exactly what I WOULD have to do, perhaps a dr's note?

Yes, a doctor has to sign paperwork stating that you are disabiled.
You can do as much volunteer work as you would like. (The government is only conserned about the money, so if you make money, they want to know about it....they don't want people getting rich off the system, and faking disabilities....)

I was fortunate and was approved for disability my first try. They had me go somewhere and do a spirometry (short pft). I didn't try as hard as I normally would (like at the dr's), only because I didn't want them to have <u>any doubt </u>about needing to be on disability.

For me, it was totally worth it to go on disability. Not only do I not have the stress of HAVING to go to work when I don't feel good...I had more time to take care of me. What I don't know for you is about insurance, do you only have medicare? I don't know how medicare alone treats those with CF, for the reason stated above with our additional state insurance.
best wishes, do what's best for you

 

[CaliSally]

Hi Amy,
I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.
I live in California. Here we have health insurance designed specifically for those with CF. However, if you have other insurance, this state insurance is the last to be billed...you have to use your other insurances first, like your HMO and medicare.

You asked if you are allowed to work at all. The answer is yes.
There is a program called "Ticket to Work" The main goal of this program is to return temporary diables, back to the work force, getting off disability all together (and off the system). However, it's additional benefit is, as we all know, you can't survive on disability alone. This programs allows you to keep your disability, and still be able to bring in extra income.
There is a catch. You will need to find out how much you are permitted to bring home, before they consider removing your disability income. There is a place that can give you this info. They will give you a monthly or annual amount. I'm in the process of finding this stuff out right now. Another good person to ask is Wheezie...she knows some about this too.
Even IF they decide that you are able to work enough to support yourself without disability and then remove it, you can return to receiving it fairly easily (so I am told). They told me I wouldn't have to go through the approval process again. However, I don't know exactly what I WOULD have to do, perhaps a dr's note?

Yes, a doctor has to sign paperwork stating that you are disabiled.
You can do as much volunteer work as you would like. (The government is only conserned about the money, so if you make money, they want to know about it....they don't want people getting rich off the system, and faking disabilities....)

I was fortunate and was approved for disability my first try. They had me go somewhere and do a spirometry (short pft). I didn't try as hard as I normally would (like at the dr's), only because I didn't want them to have <u>any doubt </u>about needing to be on disability.

For me, it was totally worth it to go on disability. Not only do I not have the stress of HAVING to go to work when I don't feel good...I had more time to take care of me. What I don't know for you is about insurance, do you only have medicare? I don't know how medicare alone treats those with CF, for the reason stated above with our additional state insurance.
best wishes, do what's best for you

 

[CaliSally]

Hi Amy,
I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.
I live in California. Here we have health insurance designed specifically for those with CF. However, if you have other insurance, this state insurance is the last to be billed...you have to use your other insurances first, like your HMO and medicare.

You asked if you are allowed to work at all. The answer is yes.
There is a program called "Ticket to Work" The main goal of this program is to return temporary diables, back to the work force, getting off disability all together (and off the system). However, it's additional benefit is, as we all know, you can't survive on disability alone. This programs allows you to keep your disability, and still be able to bring in extra income.
There is a catch. You will need to find out how much you are permitted to bring home, before they consider removing your disability income. There is a place that can give you this info. They will give you a monthly or annual amount. I'm in the process of finding this stuff out right now. Another good person to ask is Wheezie...she knows some about this too.
Even IF they decide that you are able to work enough to support yourself without disability and then remove it, you can return to receiving it fairly easily (so I am told). They told me I wouldn't have to go through the approval process again. However, I don't know exactly what I WOULD have to do, perhaps a dr's note?

Yes, a doctor has to sign paperwork stating that you are disabiled.
You can do as much volunteer work as you would like. (The government is only conserned about the money, so if you make money, they want to know about it....they don't want people getting rich off the system, and faking disabilities....)

I was fortunate and was approved for disability my first try. They had me go somewhere and do a spirometry (short pft). I didn't try as hard as I normally would (like at the dr's), only because I didn't want them to have <u>any doubt </u>about needing to be on disability.

For me, it was totally worth it to go on disability. Not only do I not have the stress of HAVING to go to work when I don't feel good...I had more time to take care of me. What I don't know for you is about insurance, do you only have medicare? I don't know how medicare alone treats those with CF, for the reason stated above with our additional state insurance.
best wishes, do what's best for you

 

[Asexyblond23]

Well sally reall anwsered most of it with awesome anwsers.

You can do voulnteer work which is needed to help get you out of the house and keep you sane! I actually never thought of getting disablility for me until I had a bad issuse and coded. My doctor then suggested that I need this, then he told me when I wasnt hyped on the idea <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Im a hard head!! What he told me is that this is the smartest thing to do. I still felt that I could work part time but I knew in my mind that there would be those hard days. He told me that going on disablity would give me more time to focus on resting and doing my treatments, in turn keeping my health good. And darn it if he wasnt right. I applied in 2004 and got denied the first time, the second time after a letter from my doctor I was approved. It takes 6 months after approval before you recieve your first check, then in 2 years you will be offered medicare. Later on you can chose to go off but that wouldnt be a good idea in my opinion. This way I am able to take my days and focus more on my health and my treatments, and it works. The past 3 years I am down to iv's once a year. My numbers have gone up.

 

[Asexyblond23]

Well sally reall anwsered most of it with awesome anwsers.

You can do voulnteer work which is needed to help get you out of the house and keep you sane! I actually never thought of getting disablility for me until I had a bad issuse and coded. My doctor then suggested that I need this, then he told me when I wasnt hyped on the idea <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Im a hard head!! What he told me is that this is the smartest thing to do. I still felt that I could work part time but I knew in my mind that there would be those hard days. He told me that going on disablity would give me more time to focus on resting and doing my treatments, in turn keeping my health good. And darn it if he wasnt right. I applied in 2004 and got denied the first time, the second time after a letter from my doctor I was approved. It takes 6 months after approval before you recieve your first check, then in 2 years you will be offered medicare. Later on you can chose to go off but that wouldnt be a good idea in my opinion. This way I am able to take my days and focus more on my health and my treatments, and it works. The past 3 years I am down to iv's once a year. My numbers have gone up.

 

[Asexyblond23]

Well sally reall anwsered most of it with awesome anwsers.

You can do voulnteer work which is needed to help get you out of the house and keep you sane! I actually never thought of getting disablility for me until I had a bad issuse and coded. My doctor then suggested that I need this, then he told me when I wasnt hyped on the idea <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Im a hard head!! What he told me is that this is the smartest thing to do. I still felt that I could work part time but I knew in my mind that there would be those hard days. He told me that going on disablity would give me more time to focus on resting and doing my treatments, in turn keeping my health good. And darn it if he wasnt right. I applied in 2004 and got denied the first time, the second time after a letter from my doctor I was approved. It takes 6 months after approval before you recieve your first check, then in 2 years you will be offered medicare. Later on you can chose to go off but that wouldnt be a good idea in my opinion. This way I am able to take my days and focus more on my health and my treatments, and it works. The past 3 years I am down to iv's once a year. My numbers have gone up.

 

[Asexyblond23]

Well sally reall anwsered most of it with awesome anwsers.

You can do voulnteer work which is needed to help get you out of the house and keep you sane! I actually never thought of getting disablility for me until I had a bad issuse and coded. My doctor then suggested that I need this, then he told me when I wasnt hyped on the idea <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Im a hard head!! What he told me is that this is the smartest thing to do. I still felt that I could work part time but I knew in my mind that there would be those hard days. He told me that going on disablity would give me more time to focus on resting and doing my treatments, in turn keeping my health good. And darn it if he wasnt right. I applied in 2004 and got denied the first time, the second time after a letter from my doctor I was approved. It takes 6 months after approval before you recieve your first check, then in 2 years you will be offered medicare. Later on you can chose to go off but that wouldnt be a good idea in my opinion. This way I am able to take my days and focus more on my health and my treatments, and it works. The past 3 years I am down to iv's once a year. My numbers have gone up.

 

[Asexyblond23]

Well sally reall anwsered most of it with awesome anwsers.

You can do voulnteer work which is needed to help get you out of the house and keep you sane! I actually never thought of getting disablility for me until I had a bad issuse and coded. My doctor then suggested that I need this, then he told me when I wasnt hyped on the idea <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Im a hard head!! What he told me is that this is the smartest thing to do. I still felt that I could work part time but I knew in my mind that there would be those hard days. He told me that going on disablity would give me more time to focus on resting and doing my treatments, in turn keeping my health good. And darn it if he wasnt right. I applied in 2004 and got denied the first time, the second time after a letter from my doctor I was approved. It takes 6 months after approval before you recieve your first check, then in 2 years you will be offered medicare. Later on you can chose to go off but that wouldnt be a good idea in my opinion. This way I am able to take my days and focus more on my health and my treatments, and it works. The past 3 years I am down to iv's once a year. My numbers have gone up.

 

[Allisa35]

I applied for disability last year after a lot of thought. I really didn't feel like I was disabled but yet I couldn't work full-time anymore. I finally gave in and applied. I was one of the lucky ones that was approved on my first try.

I was working part-time when I applied for disability and I am still at the same job. I only work 2 hours a day. Also, like Sally mentioned, they have the Ticket to Work program. I'm not real familiar with how that works though. I think you are allowed to work full-time and earn any amount of money for so many months to see if you can join the work place again. But for my situation, I can only earn so much money a month. I don't remember what the exact amount is, but I think it was $600 range. I don't think they have partial disability, but I'm not sure. After 2 years on disability, you qualify for Medicare benefits.

As far as having a letter from your dr., I don't think it is required, but it would certainly help your case. I did get a letter from my dr. prior to applying.

I don't know if Julie will see this or not, but she can probably help answer your questions. She has helped several people on here, including me. Also, you can go to www.ssa.gov for more info.

Good luck to you. I hope things work out for you.

 

[Allisa35]

I applied for disability last year after a lot of thought. I really didn't feel like I was disabled but yet I couldn't work full-time anymore. I finally gave in and applied. I was one of the lucky ones that was approved on my first try.

I was working part-time when I applied for disability and I am still at the same job. I only work 2 hours a day. Also, like Sally mentioned, they have the Ticket to Work program. I'm not real familiar with how that works though. I think you are allowed to work full-time and earn any amount of money for so many months to see if you can join the work place again. But for my situation, I can only earn so much money a month. I don't remember what the exact amount is, but I think it was $600 range. I don't think they have partial disability, but I'm not sure. After 2 years on disability, you qualify for Medicare benefits.

As far as having a letter from your dr., I don't think it is required, but it would certainly help your case. I did get a letter from my dr. prior to applying.

I don't know if Julie will see this or not, but she can probably help answer your questions. She has helped several people on here, including me. Also, you can go to www.ssa.gov for more info.

Good luck to you. I hope things work out for you.

 

[Allisa35]

I applied for disability last year after a lot of thought. I really didn't feel like I was disabled but yet I couldn't work full-time anymore. I finally gave in and applied. I was one of the lucky ones that was approved on my first try.

I was working part-time when I applied for disability and I am still at the same job. I only work 2 hours a day. Also, like Sally mentioned, they have the Ticket to Work program. I'm not real familiar with how that works though. I think you are allowed to work full-time and earn any amount of money for so many months to see if you can join the work place again. But for my situation, I can only earn so much money a month. I don't remember what the exact amount is, but I think it was $600 range. I don't think they have partial disability, but I'm not sure. After 2 years on disability, you qualify for Medicare benefits.

As far as having a letter from your dr., I don't think it is required, but it would certainly help your case. I did get a letter from my dr. prior to applying.

I don't know if Julie will see this or not, but she can probably help answer your questions. She has helped several people on here, including me. Also, you can go to www.ssa.gov for more info.

Good luck to you. I hope things work out for you.

 

[Allisa35]

I applied for disability last year after a lot of thought. I really didn't feel like I was disabled but yet I couldn't work full-time anymore. I finally gave in and applied. I was one of the lucky ones that was approved on my first try.

I was working part-time when I applied for disability and I am still at the same job. I only work 2 hours a day. Also, like Sally mentioned, they have the Ticket to Work program. I'm not real familiar with how that works though. I think you are allowed to work full-time and earn any amount of money for so many months to see if you can join the work place again. But for my situation, I can only earn so much money a month. I don't remember what the exact amount is, but I think it was $600 range. I don't think they have partial disability, but I'm not sure. After 2 years on disability, you qualify for Medicare benefits.

As far as having a letter from your dr., I don't think it is required, but it would certainly help your case. I did get a letter from my dr. prior to applying.

I don't know if Julie will see this or not, but she can probably help answer your questions. She has helped several people on here, including me. Also, you can go to www.ssa.gov for more info.

Good luck to you. I hope things work out for you.

 

[Allisa35]

I applied for disability last year after a lot of thought. I really didn't feel like I was disabled but yet I couldn't work full-time anymore. I finally gave in and applied. I was one of the lucky ones that was approved on my first try.

I was working part-time when I applied for disability and I am still at the same job. I only work 2 hours a day. Also, like Sally mentioned, they have the Ticket to Work program. I'm not real familiar with how that works though. I think you are allowed to work full-time and earn any amount of money for so many months to see if you can join the work place again. But for my situation, I can only earn so much money a month. I don't remember what the exact amount is, but I think it was $600 range. I don't think they have partial disability, but I'm not sure. After 2 years on disability, you qualify for Medicare benefits.

As far as having a letter from your dr., I don't think it is required, but it would certainly help your case. I did get a letter from my dr. prior to applying.

I don't know if Julie will see this or not, but she can probably help answer your questions. She has helped several people on here, including me. Also, you can go to www.ssa.gov for more info.

Good luck to you. I hope things work out for you.