I'm sorry you lost your job. Unfortunately, you probably won't get unemployment since you were fired. Also in many states, you don't qualify for it if it's because of a medical reason. However, since the unemployment system has changed a lot recently and the laws vary from state to state, definitely make that call to them or visit their website. There is a chance you will get it, and unemployment benefits have been extended by the current government.

I used to be in HR, and the reasons why you got fired disturb me. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can get fired if your disability causes an undue hardship; your slurring on the telephone would most likely qualify as an undue hardship to the company. BUT, in a case like yours, the employer should have, and probably could have, found a different job for you within the company that would work for you and them. You may want to check out the ADA online for more info.

But since your slurring did cause you to lose your job, you may qualify for disability. That's not the end of things either. You could still work once you get qualified, as long as you don't make over a certain amount of money, and you could volunteer your services as much as you want.

In any case, please get documentation, something in writing, from your employer stating the reasons why you were let go. This sort of documentation will help you if you plan to challenge the firing under the ADA, or if you want to file for disability.

I sincerely hope that you get some empathy from your fiance, and I am so sorry you lost your job. You can certainly apply for Medicaid to help out with medical issues; you will probably qualify since you're still single and without a job. COBRA is an option but it's expensive. You could also apply for food stamps, which isn't a happy option, but it would save you some money. This situation sucks and keep venting! You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and hopefully you'll get the help you need very soon.

april said things very well.
you don't have to be paralyzed to get disability.
the combination of all your MS sx's may be enuf.
but, your dr must examine you and document all this stuff.
seeing your pcp would also be a good idea.

i hope things begin to work out as you formulate a plan.

April, that was a very good post and will probably help a lot of people. I wasn't aware that you could get disability and still work for pay. I'm curious, how much do they let you earn?

Thank you, KAO. Remember I'm not a lawyer or anything, I just used to do HR for a non-profit. And I probably didn't do it very well, since I was more concerned for the employees than I was for the Board of Directors.

When recieving disability, you can earn around $800.00 a month--I can't remember the exact number, but it's 8 something. That's how much you can make without the government decreasing your disability payments. I know it's not a lot of money, but it would at least allow someone to do some part time work that is interesting & fulfilling.

As for unemployment, when I was in HR, I only denied one person when the state sent me the paperwork, and she had been fired for stealing thousands of dollars. But the fact is, even though she had been fired, the state still felt it was okay to try. They denied her after they recieved my paperwork and documentation.