On disability for depression 12 years; how to transition back?

[tobeblessed]

I don't know how active this area of Braintalk is; I figured I would give this a shot and maybe someone can help me.

Since I got on disability for crippling, vegetative depression, I have tried repeatedly to finish school courses or go back to work. Nothing has lasted longer than 6 months as I end up lapsing back into severe depression to where I cannot get out of bed.

I tried working with the Department of Voc. Rehab. and was very disappointed. The last time I "failed" at something, they essentially told me "Don't call us again, and thanks for wasting $19,000 here". The counselor actually detailed how much money they had spent on me before sending me on my way. Also, they sent me to a quack of a psychologist to test for ADHD before the failed college courses (the last "failure") who blamed my severe brain dysfunction on medication. I have since discovered I have a VERY bad case of ADHD which is being treated finally.

I am allowed to make $900/mo and remain on disability. I think I have around 24 months to do this before they would take me off the disability.

My mother is getting older and I am feeling at this point that I no longer have a choice and must go back to work. I have no support other than myself now.

I am thinking of going back to a part-time job for the $900 a month until I am quite sure I can handle working again, then go back to full-time, regular work.

Do you think I could tell any employer that I interviewed with what is going on and that I need to cap the income at $900/mo? I tried retail for awhile and it was hard to get them to keep the hours low enough that I was not making more than $900/mo, and they were also going to give bonuses which was going to put the income at more than $900 one month (Social Security claimed this would not matter; needless to say I did not trust them).

Do retailers that hire the disabled consider depression a disability? I think they would have to, considering that is what I collect SSD for.

I am thinking of hiring a career coach too, to find out exactly what it is I want to do with the rest of my life.

Thank you for any ideas.

[Bobbi]

Hi .

Possibly, others will also read your thread and have some info. that is helpful.

I don't really know the "ins" and "outs" or legal answers respective of your questions.

Just some ideas...

I'd see if somewhere/someplace such as Pride Industries, Salvation Army, and other agencies that work with (disabled) people in attaining employment could help you with accurate info. on how or how not to address the topics you're asking about.

This is a link to Pride:

http://www.prideindustries.com/

It seems to me that it might even be illegal to use disability for or against consideration regarding hiring.

I'd find an agency that offers legal advice for the disabled (re)entering the workforce.

What you need is legit./factual info. I wouldn't want to offer ideas that seem logical but might not be accurate. What's logical can make all the sense in the world to you and I, yet you need info. that's solid and reliable.

[tobeblessed]

Thanks Bobbi.

You're right; at this point I probably need some legal advice. I may try to go back to DVR and tell them I was misdiagnosed (ADHD) on their dime.

[CanRelate]

First, follow this link and investigate ALL the links on that page...especially the Service Providers, which are listed by state. Not all of the options involve the Vocational Rehab office.

http://www.ssa.gov/work/receivingbenefits.html

You will see that you are not understanding the Workforce Incentive rules corrently.

I could see where Voc Rehab might need to "cut off" educational benefits as you were unable to complete courses. But perhaps they cannot deny you employment assistance; I don't know.... I failed both classes in the last semester I took; they will not repay to take again.... this might be policy, or policy necessary due to tight budgets. This is the case for me even though not finishing/failing was due to documented disability. The 2 classes are required of everyone at the university, so I have no choice but to take them again. Luckily, I MIGHT be able to get a student loan to cover them....assuming I take them at the same time..... we will see. I am continuing to work with Voc Rehab on the employment piece, and am setting up self-employment (actually incorporating a business....), so I have maximum control of my hours, salary, level of work, and stress level. As you well know, stress (from good things too) can provoke worsening of symptoms...


As for working for employers part-time: you need to stand firm on the total hours/specific shifts you can work in a pay period/in a month. Or perhaps you agree on the only days you can work as well. They don't need to know WHY you are limited. Just that you cannot exceed those hours. Period. They need to have that in your file, so some manager can't later decide you aren't being a "team player" when you reiterate that you are not able/available for anything more than XX. Especially if they are aware of that in writing before they hire you, you have a bit of weight to your insistence. Maybe you can make a point in being available for a wider range of shifts... you know, often weekend hours are the least popular, so you could take more than your share of those, or just permanently get scheduled for such shifts week after week, not to exceed what you have stated.

I would also suggest that you stay UNDER the current allowed amount...decreases the liklihood of having to go even a month without benefits.

Often there are set aside vouchers for disabled, so don't assume the wait list is an issue. See if a regional housing authority covers where you live....gives you a little more leeway than dealing with the policies of just one housing authority. See www.hud.gov and look for ALL the listings for your state....

Do your folks own the house, and is it something that will survive intact after probate? The fact you are living there gives you some leverage....talk to a lawyer experienced with estate planning, wills, and go from there....

Not sure what else to suggest at the moment..... these are just brain-storms from a fellow beneficiary awarded on major depression alone.

You might be eligible for even some foodstamps and other subsidies, even though you live with someone.... investigate, and don't assume anything....

All the best,
CanRelate

Originally Posted by tobeblessed

I don't know how active this area of Braintalk is; I figured I would give this a shot and maybe someone can help me.

Since I got on disability for crippling, vegetative depression, I have tried repeatedly to finish school courses or go back to work. Nothing has lasted longer than 6 months as I end up lapsing back into severe depression to where I cannot get out of bed.

I tried working with the Department of Voc. Rehab. and was very disappointed. The last time I "failed" at something, they essentially told me "Don't call us again, and thanks for wasting $19,000 here". The counselor actually detailed how much money they had spent on me before sending me on my way. Also, they sent me to a quack of a psychologist to test for ADHD before the failed college courses (the last "failure") who blamed my severe brain dysfunction on medication. I have since discovered I have a VERY bad case of ADHD which is being treated finally.

I am allowed to make $900/mo and remain on disability. I think I have around 24 months to do this before they would take me off the disability.

My mother is getting older and I am feeling at this point that I no longer have a choice and must go back to work. I have no support other than myself now.

I am thinking of going back to a part-time job for the $900 a month until I am quite sure I can handle working again, then go back to full-time, regular work.

Do you think I could tell any employer that I interviewed with what is going on and that I need to cap the income at $900/mo? I tried retail for awhile and it was hard to get them to keep the hours low enough that I was not making more than $900/mo, and they were also going to give bonuses which was going to put the income at more than $900 one month (Social Security claimed this would not matter; needless to say I did not trust them).

Do retailers that hire the disabled consider depression a disability? I think they would have to, considering that is what I collect SSD for.

I am thinking of hiring a career coach too, to find out exactly what it is I want to do with the rest of my life.

Thank you for any ideas.

[tobeblessed]

Hi CanRelate,

Thank you so much for all your help. I have a couple of questions and comments here.

Originally Posted by CanRelate

You will see that you are not understanding the Workforce Incentive rules corrently.

I know you can't answer legal questions or anything about my case, but I was wondering if you can give me an idea as to what it looks like I'm not understanding so I know how to try to figure it out. I have expired the 9 month trial work period already.

I will have to check the link later when I am not on MSN tv (links are terrible from here and I can't see that page).

I would also suggest that you stay UNDER the current allowed amount...decreases the liklihood of having to go even a month without benefits.

This is a very good idea.

Often there are set aside vouchers for disabled, so don't assume the wait list is an issue.

VERY good to know! I had a disabled friend who got on Section 8 right away and I was wondering how he got on so fast (I never got a chance to ask him).

Do your folks own the house, and is it something that will survive intact after probate? The fact you are living there gives you some leverage....talk to a lawyer experienced with estate planning, wills, and go from there....

My mom owns the house & all proceeds from the sale go to a trust fund for me when she dies; the thing is that it's mortgaged to the hilt and there will be her bills to pay off; I just assumed there would be nothing left for me. Should probably check with the lawyer on this.

You might be eligible for even some foodstamps and other subsidies

I have been thinking about it and when I last did the Medicaid paperwork the counselor said something that seemed to indicate I qualify for foodstamps now, so I am going to check this out.

Thanks again!

[lisa_tos]

There is a book called "working in the dark" for dealing with workplace issues for depressed people.

Several people have recommended www.cicoach.com as a good employment issue resource for disabled people.

This site explains social security and work programs very well
http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org/

[Pamster]

Thank you for that last link Lisa tos, it had info I was interested in on Pell Grants and I really appreciate it, thanks!

[michael178]

Many of the publicly funded agencies that deal with mental illnesses have trained case managers that could help you. They know which employers are very cooperative who will work with you, as well as some you should avoid. To find these agencies contact your local NAMI (the National ******** for the Mentally Ill) and they can help you with the agency. Good luck to you.

[lfaitel]

My heart goes out to you.

How wonderful, all the intelligent resources within this forum.

I am a brain injury survivor, when I was still considered "disabled, mentally" I worked for a head injured group home. I worked in group homes as I went to college for Occupational Therapy.

When I read your circumstances I am reminded of the challenges I had trying to get back into the work force. I found the most friendly working environments to be that of health care. Have you thought of working in an activities department in a nursing home, senior living or assisted living? Getting a CNA certification (if you have are able to handle personal care of others) and working privately or in a facility? You could always contact rehab companies and work as a therapy aide. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, a 2 year college degree, but to be a PT or OT aide the education needed is provided in house, with a short training and the main part of the job is keeping the therapy department clean, transporting patients and assisting the therapists with simple therapy duties.

I am sure if you look into something in the health care field the employer will better understand your need to stay within a limited work week or limited hours of availability.

The jobs I listed are just what I can think of off the top of my head. You could google health care or search health care want ads to see what is available.

Just ideas, good luck and I pray you find what fits you the best.