I'm just wondering if anybody has filed long term disability due to MM?  What about filing Social Security Disability benefits?  I was on another thread and this very important topic came up...(thanks lsuvia)  

Lore, I know you know quite a bit about insurance.  Can you provide any insight regarding this?  I'm currently receiving TDI, but it is only good for 28 weeks...and I'm nearing the end of my 28 week period.  Do you know what is available to patients after TDI runs its course?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  Anyone?  

Thanks,
Shan

Shan,

It sounds like you have short-term disability with the 28 weeks.  Do you know if you have long-term disability insurance that picks up after the short-term disability is exhausted? Is TDI Temporary Disability Income? Is it through an employer or is it an individual policy?

If you don't have long-term care insurance, Hawaii has a temporary disability program.  I don't know the specifics but you can check it out with the state.

Social Security provides long-term disability benefits based on your salary and the number of years you have worked and contributed to Social Security. However, the qualifications to receive Social Security benefits are very strict.  You have to have been disabled for 5 full (calendar) months, your disability is expected to last 12 months or end in death and you are unable to be gainfully employed at any occupation.

Also, if you are in or were in the military, there are benefits available to you as well.

Shan, I hope this helps you.  I know you have had other illness besides MM and you may very well qualify for long-term disability through Hawaii or Social Security if you don't have a personal long-term care disability policy or one through an employer.

If you decide to go for Social Security Disability, I reccommend getting an attorney to assist in getting through the red tape. Most attorney's won't charge for a consultation to see if you fit all the qualifications before proceeding.

Let me know if you have additional questions and I will try and find the answers for you.

Hugs,

Lore

Hi Shan,

Thanks for posting the question asked.  I have applied for SSI, I have a "Mental Consultation" with the drs on the 29th of Oct.  I've heard that it takes 6 mos of more and that it was difficult to qualify for SSI.  I'm still in the process of applying for LTD with my company.  I'll let you know how that turns out as well.  I think it will be harder to qualify with my company than the state.

How many MM survivors return to work?

Take care!
Lee (aka lsuvia) 

I have been on disablility since June 2004, I had to be evaluated by a shrink to see if I was disabled enough before I could get it.  You can't apply until you have been disabled for 5 months.  I got sick in Dec. 2003, and recieved my first SSI check in July 2004.

Hi Tom,

Looks like I'm going to have to head back to work...My neuro took a looooong time just signing my last Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) paperwork and made a comment "You should be ready to go back to work already!?"  I was so worried that he wouldn't sign my forms because of financial reasons and thought, I'd better go and look for a job immediately! (My job ended Sep 30)  According to my inurance guy, my TDI should last though November

It's been rough because do I feel physically and emotionally ready to return to work? No. I tried to return to work for 1 week and my bp shot up like crazy and my headaches were a little worse that week!    My neuro increased my bp medication and told me to continue to take extra strength tylenol....  I felt that if he didn't even want to continue to fill out my TDI paperwork, then there is no way that he would support me applying for SSDI!

In fact, my internist just ordered an MRI/MRA on Tuesday because along with my headaches, I started feeling dizzy...   I did find another job, but I had to ask them if I could start next week Monday...and I also have another job interview today.  I'm just so confused and torn right now and feel stuck in between a rock and a hard place.  As you all know, I do have other medical issues which have made my recovery a little more challenging too...

Thanks for your post, Tom.  Congrats on finally getting your LTD!