The thing is, it's all different depending who's paying your annuity/LTD or whatever. A private company, the state, the feds, etc.

Frank - I think I would do some more checking in to this before making a decision.

Just some random thoughts . . .

If you don't go would that mess you up later on when you do apply for SSDI? If you don't go, is there a stipulation with SSDI and SSI that you can't apply again for so many years? It seems to me I read something about that.

If you do go on SSDI/SSI, what programs does your state have for assistance with health insurance plans? Is that an option for you?

If it were me, I would go. I would hate to risk losing the option for SSDI later on. Kelly is right. Most LTD require that you apply for SSDI when you start receiving LTD. By not going, you may mess up and lose BOTH.

Remember, if you applied in 2007, you will receive back pay from SSDI from 5 months after you had to stop working up until the time you get approved for SSDI. In other words, if your last day you could work was December 31, 2006, add 5 months (May 2007), you would get a back pay of your monthly SSDI from May of 2007 to the time you are approved.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes. I will be saying some prayers that all will work out for the best for you and your family.

im just going to go and express my concerns to the judge and i am still waiting on union person

I AM speaking out of turn, since I am in Canada and the rules may be different, but ...

I was forced to apply for government disability after I had been on my employers disability (for a year, I think). I didn't have any trouble getting it, and it was back-dated to the first day I went off . . .

I had to pay all the benefits I received back to the disability company though, as it compensated/reimbursed them for the disability payments they had been giving me. Some might say that's not fair (because I paid into both "insurances" throughout the years), but it makes sense to me because I would have ended up MUCH further ahead (than even working for a wage) if I was able to claim both at the same time ...

From then on, I got my monthly government cheque, and the insurance company paid the difference up to my disability amount. So, if LTD used to pay $2,000, I now get $1,000 from the government, and the LTD company tops it up the other $1000 . . . to $2,000.

My LTD disability covers me till I am 65 yrs old, although I know a lot of them (especially in the US) are only for two years. Don't know what your situation is though . . .

The brunt of the responsibility for "me" lies with the LTD company, not the government here. Even if I was only entitled to an extra monthly $50, over and above what the government pays me, the LTD company still has to top up the payment to 65% of my earnings, and carry me for medical, life ins., dental, pension contributions (based on my old salary), etc. That is part of their contract with my employer, and a benefit to all who go off on LTD. Again, that lasts till I am 65 yrs old.

I would think that is pretty standard here in Canada, and IF you remain on LTD through your employer to 65, I would think that might be true in the US too . . .

Cherie

Cherie, that's how my mom's worked too only her disability pension ends after 55 months. She has Liberty Mutual.