Partial disabililty

[cynthiaG]

Has anyone been able to go on "partial" disability? It would mean working part-time and being able to supplement with the partial disability. I don't know much about it but just in case in comes to that (not being able to physically work full-time), I'm going to get some information about what the guidelines are. I would imagine that each state may be different.... if you have any information, could you share it? Thank you!

[Frosty]

Re: Partial disabililty

No experience with Disability but I would also check with Social Security - states can be a lot harder to deal with than federal (that is something I do know about).

[Pam Alexson]

Re: Partial disabililty

In Mass once you get on disability they have a ticket to work program. You can work just so many hours or make a certain amount of money.. once you go over the limit or if you do manage to go over the limit for several months your disability will stop.
My experience is that the fed also asks for reimbursement of the overage. I had a friend who was told she could work and still receive her benefits from disability and she said it did not make sense, she questioned the SSA and they reassured her .. I told her not to spend the overage... she did not listen to me and started giving gifts and going on trips. When the feds contacted her they told her she had no right to spend their money she was working and they attached her pay for $ 60,000 in future repayments and penalty fees. They told her that while someone is attempting to return to work they continue to send the SSDI.. because once you stop a claim it is virtually impossible to re-open or start it back up again. The rep that she initially spoke to misled her with inaccurate info .. the feds did not concern themselves with that, they simply enforced the rules and levied against her.

My advice: be careful and follow the rules and guidelines very carefully. They are there to help prevent fraud and offer assistance to someone who qualifies for disability expected to last longer then 6 months.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2su...I)&sid=Eeohhs2

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2te...w&csid=Eeohhs2

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Partial disabililty

The rules do change from time to time on all programs - but you do have options.. and please remember Disability is NOT offered based upon your diagnosis - it is based upon your physical ability and limitations.
I had one mother who was upset that her sons SSI ended at age 18 - i asked what his symptoms were.. she said he had none at all but was taking a betablocker. In other cases i have people who can not walk across the floor and are not surgical potentials... and get denied ??? its not a perfect process by any means.... Other of you have put up the case and been granted coverage with little issue....

Best wishes,
Lisa

[Frosty]

Re: Partial disabililty

Thanks for the info Pam --

My only income is Social Security and I have to pay for Medicaid to pick up what Medicare doesn't - have never gotten SSDI or any other Disability so really had no idea how they worked.

[Janet]

Re: Partial disabililty

Hello Cynthia,

I receive social security disability because of myasthenia gravis, not HCM. It is full time disability, but like Pam said, there is a ticket to work (I am in Illinois). You cannot earn over a certain amount or you will be penalized. I received a call from the ticket to work program about two weeks ago to work at home in customer service, but am unable to perform what they need due to various limitations. Maybe you can try to get federal disability and then go forward with the part time work. Wish I had better ideas for you.

Be well, Janet

[amyshields]

Re: Partial disabililty

Wish I had answers ... I have been advised by my therapist, social worker and one doctor to pursue disability myself.

Seems to be a very complicated ... tricky ... process.

[Toogoofy317]

Re: Partial disabililty

Yes, it can be a very long and demanding process. I was denied while getting evaluated for a heart transplant at Shand's. Took three years and a lawyer who made me do all the leg work to get it. Once I got to the hearing they saw all of my admits. My age and the fact I have an education really hurt me. I have SSDI and work part-time I know they say no more than 80 hours a month and no more than $700. Am also working with Vocational Rehab and they are paying for school.

Mary

[Jillmgk]

Re: Partial disabililty

SSDI has what's called SGA- Substantial Gainful Activity. It is the amount at which they consider you able to support yourself. (I am thinking its about $900 a month now but might be less.) That is GROSS income too, from earnings. if you work parttime, and keep your earnings less than should be able to keep both your earnings and SSDI. You also are entitled to a trial work period of 9 months where you can try to work and still keep your SSDI, so if its just too much, you don't have to try t get it allback again.