Going To Remain Unemployed

[Angelwings]

I've made the decision to remain unemployed until I receive my SSDI approval. I'm hiring a lawyer and hope that it will speed up the process. If I had decided to get a job I would have lost it anyway. I worry that people will think my symptoms are too severe to care for my son properly, and that they will take him away. I'm not sure how much I should disclose. Scary!

 

[arfie]

Super scary! Motherhood-career choices-government disclosure... Get me trembling to my toes!!! A veritable trifecta of stress loads!

Wish I had suggestions to make it less scary, but the best I can come up with is, "Lean freely." share often.

 

[Seasounds]

From what I know, having PTSD disability and receiving SSDI does NOT, automatically, disqualify you for custody of your child. They are two different issues. And you are savvy to know that the agencies may be in communication behind the scene, IF there is any concern. I think everything is evaluated on an individual basis.

To reduce your fears, in addition to having and asking a lawyer, it may be useful to speak to an independent social worker (best option) or a social worker at Child Protective Services.

During your SSDI application you can point out, and answer directly, the ways you appropiately care for your child. The independant social worker or lawyer can help you prepare for SSDI questions on this matter. And you/ the social worker/lawyer, can call or look up, on the Child Protective Services (CPS) website, to assist your concerns.

Meanwhile, if you can, support self-kindness; let worrisome thoughts signal you to breathe, and remind yourself of the good actions that you take, for your child, everyday (respond to their emotional and intellectual needs, prepare meals, take them to doctors, to school), despite your diagnosis.

P.S. if helpful, there is a company called Alsup or Alsep (google for web address and proer spelling) that does all the work for submitting SSDI claims, to prevent the usual rejection with first application. They do take a percentage of your eventual checks, but friends have said it is worth it. Your lawyer may offer the same service.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'm not quite so sure that your application would get past the initial consideration if you are working as the main point of SSDI is to provide for those who can't work and by working you are showing that you can in fact work.

My advice is to disclose everything (or as much as you can). If you hold back, you are giving them less of a reason to approve you.

I was approved on the first application and the process took about 5 months. The things that worked in my favor were providing every single psychiatric medical record over the previous 20 years coupled with not having worked in over a year and the current state of my condition (two of the months between application and approval were spent in inpatient treatment). So it really does help to provide as much evidence of the state of your condition as possible.

I did all of this without a lawyer (just family that was fighting on my behalf). You've got a child, so it is probably in your best interest to consult legal counsel as to get all if your ducks in a row.

It's not an easy process and I wish you the best.

 

[MSMiller]

My husband is fighting for it now with a lawyer after being denied the first time. I carry us financially primarily and so far we are okay financialy but we could use a favorable decision sooner rather than later. It is going to be hard but you are probably doing all that you can to care for you and your child. You may even be a better person by not working right now for your child.

PTSD has nothing to do with custody but remember your actions do! Be careful if you are on any medications. Be mindful of any emotional changes and medications. Read all the side effects and prepare your family for the after affects. Seek therapy regularly and be honest!

Stay Strong!