![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 14:34:19
after a close friend has continually lost job after job because of bipolar/manic depression (1) at what point should she apply for disability--i myself struggle with ocd and soft bipolar but have been able to work...until recent layoff
Posted by Phillipa on March 13, 2013, at 15:05:01
In reply to apply, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 14:34:19
ASAP!!!! As the government is cracking down on it and now with even lawyers takes a year or so if given it. Will the pdoc help you get disability? Mine did when younger. Phillipa
Posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 15:58:28
In reply to Re: apply » joe d, posted by Phillipa on March 13, 2013, at 15:05:01
they have been with 2psyc dr. for about 14 years...never miss appts. many meds..dual diag.don't believe she ever talked with dr's concerning it....seems like dr's feel its better mentally if you keep working
Posted by Catling on March 13, 2013, at 18:19:26
In reply to apply, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 14:34:19
> after a close friend has continually lost job after job because of bipolar/manic depression (1) at what point should she apply for disability--i myself struggle with ocd and soft bipolar but have been able to work...until recent layoff
She should apply as soon as she feels capable. The process can be long. When I got on it about 2 years ago I worked with an advocate - someone who typically handles appeals. They work on a contingency basis, so if you don't get approved it doesn't cost you anything. Because they knew the right language and stuff to use, I was approved in probably 3 months from the day I walked into their office. In contrast, when my father applied because of his bipolar twenty years ago, it took 3 years and a team of lawyers to finally get him on. The process has gotten easier, but it's still best to get a professional to do it for you, if you can. The paperwork is daunting and because we live with our illnesses it isn't always apparent to us how debilitated we are or how much our illness impacts our everyday lives, particularly if we have been struggling a long time.
All of that said, she needs her doctors to be on her side because they will have to be willing to say she is unable to work right now. Even though her work history would bear that out, that needs to be the official verdict.
Best of luck to your friend,
Cat
Posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 21:05:35
In reply to Re: apply » joe d, posted by Catling on March 13, 2013, at 18:19:26
thank you ..does disability pay about half of your average earnings over the years..and how about healthcare....
Posted by Catling on March 13, 2013, at 21:54:32
In reply to Re: apply, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 21:05:35
> thank you ..does disability pay about half of your average earnings over the years..and how about healthcare....
I suppose if you even it out it comes to a little less than half. Luckily for me I made quite a lot more the last six/seven years of my employment history than during the first half.
The insurance is the sucky thing. Medicare doesn't kick in until 2 years AFTER getting approved for SSDI. If you are getting a low enough amount that you qualify for Medicaid through the state you can get that, but in my case I am getting too much to qualify for Medicaid, barely. I have said more than once I think they hope you'll die during that two year period. I honestly don't know what they expect folks to do. You go on disability because you are sick and need help, but then there is no help for being sick and we pay in for these benefits it's not like a handout.
Anyway, that is my soapbox for the night. Feel free to ask any more questions you may have and I will do my best to answer.
Best,
Cat
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.