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Jan 5, 2019 10:44PM
- edited
Jan 5, 2019 10:48PM
by
Lumpie
candy-678, It can be confusing. If you decide to apply for SSDI, assuming you are MBC, the decision about whether you qualify should be made solely on your diagnosis. The law says you are entitled to benefits if you have a stage 4 diagnosis. I have done a fair amount of research and, though anecdotal, it seems that the vast majority of MBC applicants sail right through the process. If you should be denied, there is an appeal process. I have never heard of an applicant being denied on appeal. Again, it is not discretionary. You are entitled to benefits based on your diagnosis. Given that there is virtually no possibility that any of us diagnosed young can expect a normal period of retirement, this entitlement seems appropriate to me. After all, we have paid into the system. (Much like you, I started paying into the system via summer and part time jobs when I was 12. I have paid in for almost 40 years.)
As far as work goes, my impression is that MBC applicants typically are not working at all when they apply. As long as you are earning less than the threshold ($1,1,80 per month), it should "count" the same as not working at all. But like you said, this might raise questions - even though it shouldn't. If you are working and earning more, you will not qualify. If you should choose to apply, you should not need to get into a discussions about family priorities, etc. Even if true, it's not relevant so don't go there in discussions the SSA. If asked, you should focus on your diagnosis and the complications you do face working. For most of us, it is stressful which can interfere with healing, there are challenges arranging time off for medical appointments. We can become so fatigued that all we do is sleep when we have a moment off. Our sub-optimal health may keep us from doing an effective job. And, frankly, some employers may not want us at work for a variety of reasons. But what is really relevant is your diagnosis.
Also, your doctor does not have to "endorse" your application or attest to your inability to work. You just have to show from your medical records that you have the diagnosis. It is my understanding that your doctor does not even have to fill out a form.
You can and should apply for SSDI as soon as you stop working. Here's the five month provision: "If you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, there is a five-month waiting period before {Social Security} can begin your benefits. We will pay your first benefit for the sixth full month after the date we find your disability began."
Remember, you can decide to go back to work any time your health allows. And after you have been out on disability for a certain period, you can return to work under special provisions which allow you to retain Medicare benefits. For a period of time (5 years, I believe), if you find that your health does not permit you to continue to work, you can return to disabled status without having to wait the 5 months again. Many of us would be interested in going back to work either full or part time if we had an appropriate opportunity. Read more about the "Ticket to Work" program here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/index.html
If you have the luxury of time, something to think about before leaving work is your plans for healthcare long term. Most employees are entitled to COBRA coverage. If you leave because of a disability, you can continue your COBRA coverage until you qualify for Medicare after 24 months, but you have to provide timely and proper notice to your employer (I believe it is within 60 days of concluding work - but check carefully). A few lucky people who work for large companies may continue to have access to work-based insurance as a "medical retiree" but this is unusual. Once we qualify for Medicare (after 24 months), in many states, we are not entitled to Medigap coverage so that can leave us on the hook for substantial medical expenses. Check carefully to find out what options are available where you live. It is my understanding that if we qualify for COBRA coverage and later Medicare, then we do not qualify for ACA coverage. But there is some "gray area" there. I found information saying that we may be able to continue (unsubsidized) ACA coverage if obtained BEFORE we qualify for Medicare. While expensive, this could at least provide maximum out of pocket protection - which could be critical if our therapies are expensive.
If you just want some time off but not permanent disability, you might think about whether some FMLA time (up to 12 weeks) would address your needs. Unless you work for a very small company, most employees are covered by this law. Sometimes a disability plan at work would provide income for FMLA time off. It would require a form that your physician has to complete. And different employers handle requests differently, but for some people, FMLA time could allow you to have some time off to .... do what you need to do.... {Side note about workplace disability policies: if you change employers after your diagnosis, most disability (income protection) policies will not cover your time out of work due to pre-existing conditions - even if you are paying premiums.}
I didn't mean to go on so long. But lots to cover here.
"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." "If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad." "Buy the ticket, take the ride."
Dx
2015, DCIS/IDC, Right, 3cm, Stage IIA, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ (IHC)
Chemotherapy
1/13/2016 Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Targeted Therapy
1/14/2016 Herceptin (trastuzumab)
Dx
2017, IDC, Stage IV, metastasized to liver, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Radiation Therapy
Whole-breast: Breast
Surgery
Lumpectomy: Right
Surgery
Lumpectomy: Right