I finally managed to make myself call my past employers to track down my employment history for the past 15–that’s right–15 years in order to complete the SSDI form. This isn’t easy when the longest job you’ve ever had was for three years, but also because, when I was last able to work, I was an adjunct professor, which meant that I had to teach at whatever school had openings available.
Met with my CM yesterday, but he said he didn’t want to call the SSA office for an appointment yet because it was the end/first of the month and they’d be too busy. Anyway, he said he’ll be meeting with one of the workers next week or so and will try to sneak in an appointment for me.
See more progress on: apply for disability
He also helped me fill out the forms for public aid–you know, food stamps, emergency cash, and most importantly, Medicaid, since yesterday was the last day Brian and I had insurance. Fortunately, we didn’t have to fill out a separate form for him. The CM was nice enough to fax it over to the local public aid office, too. I have to admit that it was humiliating, but I guess you have to do what you have to do.
We have one or two months to decide whether or not we want to be on COBRA, but there’s no way we can afford that. Brian’s sister has generously offered to help pay for it, however. Also, because we both have a mental illness, we can’t let our insurance lapse for, I think it’s three months max, or they’ll be considered pre-existing conditions. Life just keeps getting better and better.
Went to the unemployment office on Wednesday. Brian had to fill out a form and only pencils were provided. Then, on the last page, it said something like, in order to avoid fraud, make sure you fill out the form in pen. :s Luckily, it wasn’t crowded so he was processed right away and had to watch a video. He has an appointment in three weeks, and that’s when they’ll tell him whether or not he qualifies. We’re hoping that he’ll have a job by then.
I know it wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I ended up canceling my GE appointment yesterday. I’ve still had a few minor accidents, but at least there hasn’t been any blood. But dude, I just felt so defeated and I really didn’t feel like having anyone stick their fingers up my ass.
Besides, I had hockey practice later that night, and I didn’t feel like going to that, either. Anyway, most nights I have practice, I try to keep the rest of my day free so I can relax, rest up, and be ready. I did go to practice, and I’m glad because even though I had my doubts, I ended up having a lot of fun. We didn’t have practice or games last week so we have two games this weekend: one tonight and one tomorrow. I should go pack my bag because we have to leave in half an hour.
I’m trying to keep my chin up. I really am.
If they do make sure they buy you dinner first
:d The doctor’s a man, too! He’s actually a very nice guy, and my pdoc knows him and agrees. Well, nearly every healthcare worker (whether or not they’re in the mental health field) I’ve met recently knows my pdoc. Then again, he’s like the president of some sort of medical association, so maybe that’s why!
OK, I have to get ready for my game now! We were supposed to leave in four minutes, but Brian fell asleep on the couch when he should have been going to Walgreens buying a new camera battery and who knows what else! He’s there now, and I need to pack my bag.
Hey there! I did the whole SSDI thing and got approved first try. If you need any help please ask! I know we haven’t chatted in awhile – I have been lazy with my blog for the last few months. And you might want to check into getting your meds direct from the manufacturer for free. Since neither or y’all are working there should be no problems with approval.
Whoa–you can get meds free from the manufacturer? Can you e-mail me more details? If you don’t have my e-mail address just click here. I’d really appreciate it. My pdoc gives me samples of whatever he has, but he doesn’t always carry everything I need to take, know what I mean?
i can’t imagine tracking down every employer from the last 15 years. tackling that was huge, good for you! i hope it all works out soon. somehow it always does, even when we don’t know how we’ll pay the bills, fill the prescriptions, etc..
i finally got paid, from their attorney, and my swain and i immediately went to the bank and went christmas shopping. we did pay the rent and that was a huge chunk but now we’re out of money for the rest of the month and no jobs lined up for either one of us…that’s bipolar i guess. or the two of us trying to have a nice first christmas together no matter the financial circumstances.
I’m sure I missed some temp agencies here and there, but they didn’t all actually send me on assignments, so if I didn’t get a paycheck from them, then I guess they don’t count. Also for six of those years I was in school.
My student employment from undergrad was really easy to get, and in grad school I had a fellowship my first year and an assistantship for my second and third years (though I spent my third year doing research on my thesis here in Chicago rather than Ohio). Though I got a monthly stipend, I’m not sure that actually counts as income, but anyway, if it does, the SSA will have records. They’re going to look up and confirm everything anyway, so I don’t know why I even have to bother!
Tracking down my hospitalization dates was much harder since there were so many in the last 12 years. My CM had release forms that I simply signed and he sent them to the various hospitals. At least I could remember the hospitals I stayed in, even though my memory’s still somewhat affected by the ECT.
Glad to hear you got paid–actually, I’m surprised that you did! That must have been a relief!
I sent an appeal to my family, who all (extended and my dad) live in Las Vegas, to help chip in for December’s rent. They’ve come through for us, so that should buy us another month here.
Barb, I think it’s great that you went to practise anyway!! I know how easily you (people in general) can give up things they like because they aren’t feeling very happy at a particular moment. I am really proud of you!! :d
Thanks, Adriane.
I’m feeling really zapped emotionally and mentally. Guess I’ve felt that way all week.
I’d forgotten about those prescription things. One of them is PPA..Prescription for Partnership Assistance & is advertised on t.v. by Montel Williams.
Hockey is probably 1 of the best things you got going right now. It must help to burn some energy..goodness knows, I wouldn’t know the 1st thing about burning energy! ha
Ha, I don’t blame you for canceling. If someone’s going to do that, I want a steak first.
LOL. I don’t blame you either! Good luck with things
jane, thanks for that info–I’ll check it out. Hockey is definitely one of the best things I’ve got going for me right now, that’s for sure. Because I play goal, my dues aren’t as expensive, so I think my second (and last) installment is only $50. It also seems to be the only thing I can push myself to do even when I don’t feel like it.
Ananke, in this guy’s case it’d have to be chicken. I’m supposed to cut down on beef and pork. I love ham and bacon, but I’m not a huge pork eater besides that. Beef on the other hand… ;(
Thanks, Tinka!
Ugh, forms, not matter what they’re for, they can make your head spin with sheer volume.
Don’t I know it, sister. That’s why it’s taken me three years to apply for SSDI. My CM rocks!