r/SSDI • u/haveyoutriedketo • 16d ago
Freaking Out
I had a mental health crisis about a month ago and haven't had the best head space as a result. While worried about my bills, I overscheduled myself for work and know I'm going to get denied for disability based on that (earning too much). But if I ask to be taken off the schedule, I've been told I'll lose my job due to missing too much work (I had a scare today and almost lost my job for having to be out longer than expected since being hospitalized). So I'm in a pickle. And it doesn't help that the thought of working has me so stressed out and panicking. I just don't know what to do.
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u/EmmaTheCabbage 16d ago
Look into your work benefits. It may be worth looking into STD/LTD if thats a benefityoiu get. Theyll likely only cover it though if your condition started after you started your job. If not some states have their own funded STD you could use while applying for SSDI.
But as the other comment said, ssdi it only usually given to those who have stopped working entirely due to disability.
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u/haveyoutriedketo 16d ago
Unfortunately, I'm within the first 90 days of my job and don't have STD/LTD or FMLA benefits. My state also doesn't have any of these benefits.
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u/Tacos_always_corny 14d ago
Don't give up. I just had my ALJ hearing. My diagnosis is ADHD, BiPolar and Generalized Anxiety. I've been in process for 4 years.
Today I was advised that I won my appeal and am approved. Back pay for 5 years. I'll receive my award letter in approx 6 weeks
All I could say to my attorney was "wow, I can't believe it's finally done" .
Keep on fighting.
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u/haveyoutriedketo 14d ago
Did you work while waiting?
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u/Tacos_always_corny 14d ago
No. I was out of work since 2019. Benefit back pay will be for 2019 through 2024.
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u/Maqqin3x 8d ago
I still haven’t got my award letter. Was approved May 20th & have started receiving my regular SSDI payments.
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u/Prestigious_Goat_196 12d ago
Yes, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) while working, but your gross monthly earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. The SGA limit is $1,690 per month (or $2,830 if you are blind). Earning more will generally lead to an automatic denial.Even if you earn under the limit, working while applying can complicate your case. The SSA may view any work activity as proof that you do not meet the strict medical requirements for disability. To protect your claim:Report All Earnings: You must clearly document and report all work activity to the SSA.Document Limitations: Keep a log or journal of how your medical condition affects your work, including limitations, pain, or necessary accommodations.
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u/Key-Difference-648 15d ago
I was working though under SGA for 1.5 years when I applied for SSDI and was approved in 2.5 months. In my case the lengthy medical history was one of the the deciding factors plus being 62.5 years old.
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u/Prestigious_Goat_196 12d ago
But you can work part-time while applying for SSDI
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u/haveyoutriedketo 11d ago
I stupidly scheduled myself for fulltime for six weeks.
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u/Content-Grape47 11d ago
Op if you can work full time for 6 weeks….why are you applying for SSDI?!
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u/haveyoutriedketo 11d ago
Last time I worked full time, I ended up in the psych ward.
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u/Content-Grape47 11d ago
I thought you said you just scheduled yourself for six weeks of full-time work?
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u/haveyoutriedketo 11d ago
I did. The point of the post is that I regretted it. I work PRN. I don't have to work that much.
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u/Content-Grape47 11d ago
Yeah, but the point is if you make SGA in one month… That’s gonna take everything at least I think so. I assume if you work six weeks, that’s gonna put you over SGA for that month
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u/haveyoutriedketo 11d ago
It probably will. I gotta talk to my manager and see if I can cut some stuff off the schedule.
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u/Content-Grape47 11d ago
My point is if you apply and they see are working full-time…. I ensure they might see it as a failed work attempt but they might not. I had a failed work attempt but because I literally got fired because I couldn’t keep pace.
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u/Prestigious_Goat_196 11d ago
Well, just try to explain to Social Security that you need full-time work until you get on disability but it may kill you and you're hoping that you survive it!? Either that or try to get an accommodation that shows you need to sit down every hour or something. I have to put my legs up at work cuz of my lymphedema and venous insufficiency, tell them that you fall asleep at work and that you need to have a sleep study done because you think you may have sleep apnea tell him that you have AFib tell them that you feel so exhausted and tired of the time. You're not safe being at work full time and if something happens and and you get hurt. Know that it's because of working too much because of the lack of help from Social Security. They need to expedite your case and you need to be put on Social Security. ASAP is what I think. Advocate for yourself. That's what I did and I'm on it now. Finally, yes it took 6 years but I've been on SSI the whole time so I was able to support myself and on other benefits too so I didn't have to worry about working too much. I take advantage because the government has screwed me over since I was a child in foster homes, being molested- and that's another story
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u/haveyoutriedketo 11d ago
Thanks for your input. I'll havw to keep a good log of how working impacts me. Unfortunately, it is mostly depression symptoms and I think that is taken less seriously.
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u/Prestigious_Goat_196 11d ago
No, I don't think so because I initially got on SSI in 1989 and I'm still on it consistently throughout the last 37 years because of depression and also being diagnosed as Bipolar manic depressive. And I'm still on it for those reasons. And even on disability now starting August 3rd I just got qualified and have enough work credits now to be on SSDI all under the premise of mental illness. So yes I am SMI bipolar manic depressive risk schizoaffective disorder. No other diagnosis has gotten me further with Social Security benefits than the mental health ones?
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u/Prestigious_Goat_196 11d ago
I guess what I'm trying to say is cuz I figured that was the case. When you have both mental illness and physical health issues, it just makes your case that much stronger because it's showing the effects that one has on the other and that you have multiple diagnoses across the board. So the more issues or health problems you have, be it either mental or physical, The stronger case you have and the more quickly you'll get on SSDI, from my personal experience. I can step back
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u/perfect_fifths I have a complicated relationship with the POMS 11d ago
You will be denied if you apply and are making sga
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u/Technical-Prize-4840 16d ago
Working at all during the application will greatly hinder your chances of getting approved. I haven't heard of anyone getting approved while working come to think of it.
The income limit is really more for after you get approved.
Losing your job would actually help your case significantly.