I had a concussion in 2005. I have several problems due to the concussion. I have been diagnosted with TBI. Without going into details, I have continued to work at my job...very stressful, not producing as I did and employer not happy. My neurologist and my physo-neurologist and my vestibular therapist all agree that I should not be working.

My question is if I am working (which I am a 55 year old woman unmarried and no savings to fall back on) do I/can I qualify for SS Disability?

I am in the process of seeking an attorney to help me with the process but if I don't qualify due to working, I'm not sure if I should spend the money for an appointment.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks

Melek

Melek, I beleive in part it depends on how long you have worked. I think the SS Admin looks at "credits" for time worked, but I am not sure how that works. You might be able to find that out just by calling the Social Security Administration. And remember, there is a difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (which you can get when you income falls below a certain level, even if you don't get SSD).

One of the first criteria is that you are not working. Unfortunately, you said that, in spite of your under-performance and your employer's dissatisfaction, you are still working. According to everything I have learned, this will be a major issue, because SS considers you disabled if there is no work you can perform anywhere in the US labor market with your medical condition. I think you may benefit from a meeting with an attorney to see where you stand right now. . . .


A couple articles that might help you in your investigation:

http://arthritis.about.com/cs/disability/a/ssdi.htm

http://www.socialsecurityhome.com/re...%20A%20Credit?

This article claims to contain a FREE disability evaluation (questions) to help you assess your chances: http://disabilityblogger.blogspot.co...isability.html

Good luck. I was somewhat in your position in that my employer said that they would accommodate my reduced capacity, but when push came to shove, I probably would have been fired had they not put me on LTD based on the combination of all the effects of my condition, including lack of sleep, unusually excessive need for breaks, and disruptions to my work flow when I was in flare-up. Perhaps you could benefit from talking to your HR person as well, just to see if they could offer any help.

Thanks for the reply.

I do have the credits into SS. Working since the fall has been a nightmare to put it gently. I am unable to maintain the level that I had before the fall and can not learn/maintain new knowledge. I am just now coming to terms with my situation...after almost begging to keep my job in April. For the 'moment' I have a job that I have had for 7 years and the insurance. I do not have any long term disability insurance nor do I own a house nor do I have a nest egg. The office where I work is very small only 10 employees, family owned. So if one person doesn't pull their weight it is a problem to the whole office. I know that they want me to quit, but I can't quit nor can I keep up....

I have talked with my doctors and they all strongly say that I not work, but if I don't work, I have no other means of income...I'm in a catch 22. Working is really taking a toll on me physically and mentally. I always thought I was going to get better....but the doctors said that it is permanent. After 2 1/2 years I'm no better today than I was the day after my fall....the only difference is that I know now much damage I have.

I'm meeting with an attorney to discuss my options. I've decided it best to go ahead and pay the bill to meet with the attorney so at least I know where I stand.

My light is positive, my energy clear....my path is light....

Melek