caret icon Back to all discussions

Disabiltity

I have finally decided that I probably should be on disability. At least until I can find a Preventative and a routine that will help me. I have daily migraines that cause me to lose cognitive functions. I was driving to work the other day and almost wrecked my car into a bridge over a river! Just because my thinking is slowed. Anyways I started to fill out the online form for disability but I was stuck at the part where it asks how long I have been unable to work. I am still working (how can I pay for ridiculously expensive meds!) I cannot move past this point on the form. Should I just try to call? A government office is always available after 5 when I come home from work right? Any pointers would be appreciated.

  1. I had the same concerns as you prior to applying for disability. I am so glad I did go ahead and go on disability. My migraines, like yours were so severe there was no way I could work or drive to and from work. Disability doesn't pay 100% of your salary so that is a huge adjustment, however I look at it as my salary to take care of myself. My job is to do all I can to be as healthy as i can so the doctors can do their job. So far, the disability experience has been a good one for me. I actually wrnt to a Social Security office and applied and my application was approved while I was there. I took all of my medical records with me. They are easy to get from your doctor's office. Good luck!

    1. Rebecca,
      I applaud you for recognizing that you need to take time to focus on your health. Figuring out how to have income during this time can be a difficult process. Have you looked to see if your employer offers short term of long term disability? You may want to start there.

      Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a long and confusing process. After a quick search, it does seem like it can be difficult to get approved for SSDI if you are still working. This is where any employer-assisted disability plans can be helpful. If you go on short-term disability through work, that's when you should immediately apply for SSDI. That way you have some income from short-term disability while your SSDI application is being processed.

      All of this can be very confusing (especially when you have Migraine brain and can't remember anything!). I personally used a firm to help me through the entire process). And they didn't get paid unless I got approved (which I did!).

      This article may help you with the whole process:
      https://migraine.com/blog/disability-income-preparation-guide/

      Let me know if you have questions and I'll try to help through my experience (but I'm not a lawyer!).
      -Katie
      Migraine.com

      1. Rebecca,
        I applaud you for recognizing that you need to take time to focus on your health. Figuring out how to have income during this time can be a difficult process. Have you looked to see if your employer offers short term of long term disability? You may want to start there.

        Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a long and confusing process. After a quick search, it does seem like it can be difficult to get approved for SSDI if you are still working. This is where any employer-assisted disability plans can be helpful. If you go on short-term disability through work, that's when you should immediately apply for SSDI. That way you have some income from short-term disability while your SSDI application is being processed.

        All of this can be very confusing (especially when you have Migraine brain and can't remember anything!). I personally used a firm to help me through the entire process). And they didn't get paid unless I got approved (which I did!).

        This article may help you with the whole process:
        https://migraine.com/blog/disability-income-preparation-guide/

        Let me know if you have questions and I'll try to help through my experience (but I'm not a lawyer!).
        -Katie
        Migraine.com

        Please read our rules before posting.