From your post, I am guessing that you were/are receiving SSDI benefits.

I personally think that everyone should try to earn as much as they possibly can under their particular conditions and circumstances.

To limit oneself to stay "under" the monetary amounts for the sole purpose of keeping benefits is not the intent of the disability program and only harms oneself. If someone is capable of more hours and more income, it would be better for them to earn a living than be limited to SSDI benefits.

The question by the original poster is regarding attempts to work BEFORE being awarded benefits, while still in the application and appeal process.

Either way, someone capable of working, should give it their best effort to be self sufficient. It is when that is not an option, SSDI benefits are for those unable to work at the SGA level.

I would LOVE to be able to work. Even part-time. However, I think that might be out of my control.

I did an experiment this week. Mon - Thursday, I walked each morning. The duration of my walks was 6 min - 12 min range. The pace was SLOW. I tolerated the walks with discomfort on the scale of about a 4-5 (out of ten - ten being the most pain).

Then Friday came. Friday my feet had an enormous 'hang-over' . . . All day and night long . . . PAIN and feet encased in cement. . . . Next week I will try biking . . . I have my ten speed on a bike stand in my apartment. I don't trust my cognition and balance to be out riding on the streets.

A better test would be can you sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, even with something to prop your feet up with at times.

If you're to the point that you need a walker or a wheelchair, and your doc provides a Rx for either, then that's different.

Do you have a handicapped parking placard, btw?

Probably should consider how you would get to a job, driving, bus, etc.
and parking close to the door? or a long walk to get to a possible "desk" job..

Working from home is a possible option. There are many courses that may be taught online these days.

I have a relative with a family emergency and instead of taking family leave, the courses that would have been taught on campus are being converted to online this semester to accommodate the situation.

Sometimes one must think "outside the box" so to speak. There are MANY ways to earn an income from home where one can have the flexibility to rest when needed, take days off completely when needed, avoid having to walk to a place of employment from their vehicle, etc. It may not be an income that would exceed SGA levels, but it could be of some financial benefit to a disabled person.

My limited experience in looking for the jobs as you have described above has not been promising. If one googles it, many of the articles it pulls up are to the effect of: "Watch out for SCAM 'work at home' jobs . . . most make pennies a day . . . not dollars a day." With that being said, if you could lead me and/or provide a list of jobs that meet or exceed your first paragraph - please do so. I would be eternally appreciate! Thanks.

Voc Rehab Services may find you legitimate work from home--some people report more success than others, each location is different.

There are certainly academic teaching positions that can be taught online, but I'm not sure if you've taught other subjects than PE.

I don't have a placard for my car. I can't sit for much longer than an hour. The same for standing. Relief comes from laying on my bed. Sounds cheesy but that is the truth and that is what a neurologist at a major University told me.

I am a bit perplexed by the number of times you mention that a physician is informing you of what you are capable and not capable of doing.

You above all others should be the one to KNOW what you are capable of and what you are NOT capable of doing physically.


You also seem to self impose activities that will exacerbate your pain.

I just don't understand. Maybe I am just different and not as brave but I try to avoid activities that will only make my pain worsen. Maybe I am just a wimp but I am one that will not touch a hot stove the second time.

Yes, there are times that I MUST perform some functions that knowingly will cause more pain, but they are NOT a choice but a matter of performing life's daily living. Even then, I have made many adaptations.

If you are attempting to walk and bike as a means of exercise and are capable of doing that, then that is a GOOD thing. Exercise is always good for the body when done within the limitations of our ailments.

Dean, the problem that's going to come up is that you were capable of working as a PE teacher within the last year, which is a much more physically demanding job than sitting behind a desk. Since your BP was also a factor in why you were unable to continue working, that also will make such a claim appear less credible.

It makes no sense that you don't have a placard, at least for medical appointments if walking is causing you problems. Also, the first step a patient with trouble walking would usually start with a cane to determine how much that will help. Then they'd move on to a walker, and then a wheelchair if they're incapable of ambulating very far.

You need a doctor to spell out your work restrictions and or limitations. Again, having a Functional Capacity Evaluation will help your doctor/s determine what those restrictions and limitations are.

While working from home is certainly an option, telecommuting or working online aren't currently factored into the jobs Vocational Experts consider for SSDI eligibility, based on current rules and regs. This may change at some point.

Swimming is considered the best exercise for those that have problem with weight bearing.

If you haven't been posting in the PN forum which includes SFN, here is the link: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html