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Leaving on disability vs just quitting

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desiderata310

MyPTSD Pro
My psych has agreed with my therapist that my tbi issues are interfering with my job. And admittedly, my job is insane.
It took a good bit of convincing from my therapist to consider quitting my job and moving back, after there was a conversation between the psych and my therapist, it suddenly became: go out on disability- don't just quit as that will at least get you a few weeks of 60% of your income and then the plan is to get me on partial SSI disability.... I think.

So I'm torn about this plan.
I left my last job after a long stint off on long term disability (which as it turned out, I was completely stiffed and I'm fighting still) and I don't want this to be seen as my M. O. At some point in the not so distant future I would like to be able to hold down a full time job in a related field again. I'm just not quite healed it seems.

I would also like to not end up just having no income and losing everything.
Right now my 'everything' includes my car, my dog, phone service and my very meager belongings that will fit in my tiny car with my big dog.
I would prefer not to be homeless. That said, I will, for a time, be 'homeless' in the very near future as I couch surf my way back west. I've already given notice on my home.

No, I'm not anxious about any of this, yet.

I know that my psych is supportive and spoke about making sure I don't 'fall through the cracks'
I'm not without a friend/family member who can let me crash somewhere for a bit and my therapist seems honestly committed to helping me (along with a case worker from the tbi non-profit) in being successful in my transition.

confused yet?
Yeah. I am too.

I guess the questions on my mind are about my best next steps. (I have to leap by July 22)
Do I go out on disability? if so when? Will that company be able to deny that coverage like the last one?
Would it be better to give two weeks notice and leave and try to collect unemployment? (there's a CHANCE I could collect)
Do I give two weeks notice and just run?
It's too late to stick it out (without trying to find a new place to live here in town RIGHT THE HELL NOW)
I'm just scared of getting out of here and finding myself unemployable and unable to get any assistance of any sort.

Before you ask, I'm not doing well at work. I'm struggling. It's not an easy job, and I've made enormous mistakes on payrolls, etc. Moreover I've been working pretty consistent 80-90 hour weeks since April. I'm exempt so no OT for me. I'm exhausted and throw PTSD on top of this mix, I've been finger nailing my way through the last six months.
 
@desiderata310

My 2 cents:

Go look into your own eyes in a mirror.....feel compassion for how much you are suffering and struggling.....then ask yourself, Can I Sustain What I Am Doing In My Life?

You already know the answer...I know you do.:hug:

It is NOT your fault that you can't cope(for now) with the hand you've been dealt. You are trying VERY hard! Those of us who've been around a long time can see that.:hug:

An insurance company has a deal with you...a contract. If you can work, you pay THEM(premiums).....If you become disabled, THEY pay YOU. You lived up to your side, now it's their turn. That money, which you NEED, is for just such an occasion as this.

The professional, that 'puts you off work' should know how to back-up your disability claim in their documentation.

Keep us posted, we are on your side.:hug:
 
In fairness your working hours would fell most people regardless of their health. It’s no surprise you’re struggling. If it was the difference between you not working at all or still being there could you bring your working hours back to something more manageable while you decide what to do next? Talk to your employer about them prioritising your work because there’s too much work for your contracted hours?

If there was a way to limp towards the date you need to leave, on full pay, I’d do that and then save like crazy. If they don’t let you reduce your hours to what they actually pay you for I’d be inclined to go off on sick leave/disability unless it would mean you were blacklisted in future. Give yourself the best chance possible of coping with your upcoming move.
 
Can I Sustain What I Am Doing In My Life?
No. I can't. Of course, it took that ridiculous show last weekend for me to see it- honestly see it.
I could have sustained it for another couple of years before the TBI and before the PTSD dx when I was about 10 years younger but even then I didn't have a life outside of work and it was tough. I hate my industry completely. It just eats through people and spits them out. This week was a light week I've clocked about 60 hours and that was working only 4 day

An insurance company has a deal with you...a contract. If you can work, you pay THEM(premiums).....If you become disabled, THEY pay YOU.
I would agree with this assessment but I also know that last year I waited for 8 months for that disability insurance to kick in and it never did. That was what forced my hand to leave and get another job elsewhere. I thought maybe I could just fake it and FORCE myself to work. That's pretty much ended in disaster.
All that said, I'm honestly afraid that even with the doctor's word, I won't see any money.
It's a legitimate fear.

Talk to your employer about them prioritising your work because there’s too much work for your contracted hours?
Oh hell, it's no secret: I work in live events, @Suzetig. My schedule is dictated by the event schedule. There's no one to cover my position. I'm listening to a children's show and about 1500 over stimulated tots scream currently.

If there was a way to limp towards the date you need to leave, on full pay, I’d do that and then save like crazy.

This is SORT Of the plan. I vacillate between getting my doc to write to HR on Monday and trying to stick it out through the end of the season. (It admittedly gets a little easier in July but the damage is done)

There's really no good way to save but I am trying. I've got everything I own on craigslist. I'm not taking one stick furniture with me because it will be more expensive to rent a truck of any size than to just replace a bed.
 
Yes I’m in the US and I have both short and long term disability available(but not FLMA sonce I’ve not been here long enough)
But again, last time I went for my long term disability that I had paid into with my employer they refused to pay and said I was not disabled.
 
If your therapist and Psychiatrist agree you should then I would say you need to go out on short term and start the process. I say this from experience because I fought the process and continued to try and work because I loved working. It ended up hurting my recovery and everyone else around me.
I was approved for SSDI. I still grieve not working but in all honesty I just can’t right now.
I know you are concerned about losing money and I would be too so I completely understand your situation. However, I was approved long term and my company made me apply for SSDI once on it. I have heard stories where people were denied Long term but approved SSDI so the company ended up having to pay the long term but I don’t know anyone personally. Have you heard of a company called Allsup? They helped me and they did everything. I barely remember the process. You may want to reach out to them and see if they can help.
 
I hate my industry completely. It just eats through people and spits them out.
It’s so true.

Question - are you still a union member? Is it an option to go on the local roster, and/or would you have any federal disability options through them?

As far as whether your employer can owe you FMLA, you’d need to check that contract and the FMLA laws very carefully. You’re a non-exempt employee, that’s in your favor. But I think there can be a requirement about how long you need to have worked, before you can claim it. I’m honestly not sure.

I wouldn’t think the option of collecting unemployment is going to yield much.

Sorry you’re going through this.
 
are you still a union member?
Yes. BUT I'm not represented in this situation. I could possibly work here on the over hire column or even in CA with some of the locals there.
I've not worked as IATSE for years so while I'm a member I don't have any benefits through them (save the life insurance I pay for). I've already exhausted help from Behind the Scenes and Actors Fund for 12 months.
IN PA you have to have worked 12 months and a certain number of hours before you can claim FMLA. While I've gotten close to the NUMBER of hours for the year it isn't an either/or: I have to have worked 12 months AND my boss only records 8 hours a day,5 days a week.
 
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