@okiimomo 

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okiimomo

Curious about when to apply for disabili

I am finding it hard to be at work with my symptoms. However people look at me and say I’m not showing signs of disability. I’m also curious about the process, and stories will help.
@ItsMewithMS

This kind of links into the "but you don't look sick" comment from yesterday that yielded some good discussion...some frustration expressed and also some humor. Good times ;-) I was let go from a major corporation this summer at a time when they had a pack of layoffs. The complaints my boss had against me were unlike any issues other bosses have had with me for the last 30 years I have been working. I usually get top ratings but she really wanted me gone. Was she an awful boss (several in the area say Yes) or was I a bad employee? at any rate bosses win...so I am out. So now I have started looking for a new job. No luck so far. I have great experience in a needed field that has strong demand. I have an accounting degree and close to 20 years experience implementing ERP systems. I went in for 3 interviews. Through this time I was under considerable stress (with a husband asking up to 5 times a day if I had a job yet - while he has been working on the house and out of the workplace for over 15 years) and issues sleeping. What brings on relapses # 1 and #2? loss of sleep and stress. So through this time my gait gets worse and worse. I move from having a limp to needing a cane. Add this obviously visible sign to my age that can be guessed at by the experience listed and I don't get any offers. Age discrimination? Disability discrimination? or "another was selected with more relevant experience". hmmmm So - next week I will be going to a required meeting by the group that pays disability to see if I am eligible for that vs unemployment. My Dr is willing to sign disability statements so I may qualify - but for a small fraction of my previous salary - but my husband is wondering how this is possible as I don't meet the definition he sees. I only have one leg that is visible affected (right) and you need 2 according to what he sees. I should learn more next week. I also have an appointment with a Neuro Psych in late November. They are super hard to get an appointment with. I expect to learn a lot more about cognitive impairment, how much of that I have and when that qualifies for Disability. I have another interview next week for what looks like a great consulting gig for a 1 year contract. That may be my best shot as they aren't looking to "buy" you but just to "rent" you so may not be as concerned about perceived disability as they aren't insuring you and potentially having to pay you disability insurance, etc. Curious where this thread leads but with being in so many different countries that needs to be considered as well as laws are so different.

@okiimomo

Well, I am new to this community and definitely need to go back and read previous postings. Thank you for your story. At my last review my boss told me that I should work on my manner and mood with people. I know that my pain and tiredness contribute to my snarky, cranky, not smiling self. My mom will even tell me when I’m extra irritable. I am looking into part time work, hoping to be at a new position with shorter commute time and see if my stress level decreases. Unfortunately this will be a decrease income-wise so will have to tighten up the belt.