Coffee was pleasant, sitting in the springtime sun with friends. Felt shy for a good portion of the proceedings, for some reason. It worked out okay, though, just sitting and listening. Nice to be around people.
I'm going to ask pdoc about being on disability. Is it possible? Because I'm not working, and when i do start my job it's for less pay than what counts to remain on disability. People were talking about it last night and I wonder if he could tell me how to do it. I remember looking into it before and you had to have worked previously. But what about the people who haven't worked in a long time? How do they get it? I want to know. Maybe I'll spend a bit of time googling.
I need to sign up the girls for summer camps. Maybe i'll do that and walk over to the rec center.
Yes, disability is possible for bi-polar.
I know a few people on it.
You need a doctor to diagnosis it. Then go to Social Security and apply for it. They will send you to a disability doctor for the "their diagnosis".
SSI will go from that one. But you can always appeal their decision. You can get Medi-Cal with disability also.
Posted by: Melissa P. | March 20, 2008 at 02:04 PM
For social security there are two ways. First way you have to be low income. (which I doubt you are at this point.) Second is to have enough work credits in a certain number of years. This depends on how old you are and how long and when you have worked. In your case you have to have a certain number of credits over a ten year span, I think.
You can actually start the process online, I think. OTOH you live in California and you guys have state benefits that I know bupkis about.
If you do apply get a lawyer from the get-go. It will be worth it.
Posted by: k | March 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Oh, and not to be negative, if you don't have the requisite credits and you do have the income (not sure if they count spousal support) you are screwed as far as SS. I know I was...if i'd worked instead of homeschooled for those four years smack dab in the middle of my applicable time...ah, it's moot now, but still.
Posted by: K | March 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I have a feeling i don't qualify. I think that's why i've been through this before and didn't do it.
Posted by: Jo | March 20, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Jo,
At least try.You are seperated and not really working with an income. And not living in the home either.
Posted by: Melissa P. | March 20, 2008 at 04:25 PM
You won't qualify for disability because spousal support will easily put you over "low income". Low income is something like 600 bucks a month. You have spousal support, or will, and you have assets.
K. you are wrong about the need to have worked. That is for SSDI. SSI is for everyone and you don't have to have worked, ever. But, you can't own pretty much anything. In short it is a very messed up system and is a permanent ticket to poverty.
Posted by: badgerbag | March 20, 2008 at 08:41 PM
You can get SSI but not SSDI. I have a lot of worked for many years so I was approved for SSDI
It is rare to get approved the first time though. I was surprised that I did. A bit of a mixed blessing, I thing any mention of ECT makes a person crazy. I am glad to have it though. It is really important to get a full set of medical records to send in and letters from your pdoc(s) pleading your case.
Let me know if you have any questions. 3 years ago the application for SSI/SSDI was the same. I thought I wouldn't qualify yet I did. It is worth a try. all they can say is no, right?
Jen
Posted by: crazy braids | March 23, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Hi Jen! How are you! I think I might give it a try.
Posted by: jo | March 23, 2008 at 05:22 PM