I have been a Corrections officer for 10 years, in September of 06 I was informed by my Dr that I needed a level 2 fusion surgery. I had known that fusion surgery was in my future 5 years ago when my Dr told me then that I was a candidate. I put it off as long as I could by taking pain meds and having ESI. I finally was unable to walk without extreme pain so could not work until I had surgery. OK, I had a level 2 fusion Jan 10th and I am still recovering and there is a good chance that I have permanent nerve damage that causes severe pain:eek: I was told by my employer that I will not be able to return to work as long as I have any restrictions. I am thinking that it is unlikely that I will be released back to work without some physical limitations and so unlikely that I will be able return to my job. I guess my question is, if any one has any knowledge, would my inability to return to my job or to any type of physical work, give me a chance to collect SSD? I am real worried that I am going to be denied. All I have ever done for a living has been physical labor. I have not received any income since my sick and vacation leave ran out in November and things are looking pretty bleak for my family. I am praying that SSD is approved, but I understand that they really make it difficult to get approved. Any advice would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks
Porter:wave:

Porter, because the process can be a lengthy one, it is best not to put the application off for fear of denial. People do get approved for disability based on back problems but it is a tough one because I've read that it is the majority of the type of claims the SSA gets.

The main thing is to have all of your medical records in place and the support of your doctors. When you fill out the application, list everything that is limiting your ability to work including depression or an ingrown toenail. SSA asks for a twelve year work history, so that won't be hard for you to account for.

If you do get an initial denial, you'll want to appeal and will probably have even more records to support your case. At that time, you might want to consider hiring an atty. If your prognosis is not a good one, it is in your best interest to get the ball rolling now. Best wishes to you!

Also check to see if you can qualify for SSI while you're waiting for you disability case to be approved and also check with your local Social Services to see what help you can get from them. If you can get a statement from your doctor stating your unable to work you may qualify for food stamps and medicaid as well if you have a family to support.

have been a Corrections officer for 10 years
Doesn't that qualify you for some kind of partial pension and/or retirement? In my neck of the woods, a C.O. is a government job.
I have not received any income since my sick and vacation leave ran out in November and things are looking pretty bleak for my family.
Why didn't you apply for unemployment benefits? :confused:

Some states have a serious back log in settling SSDI claims. Depending on the state you live in, it can take up to 3-4 years for a favorable decision if you win.
Most people are denied initially & then they appeal.

You really need to speak with an attorney that ONLY specializes in Social Security Disability claims. The initial consultation is free.
You can ask the attorney what your chances are & also find out the backlog time line in your state.
Check your local Yellow Pages.

Good luck! :angel:

Why didn't you apply for unemployment benefits? :confused:


Believe me, I thought about that too, but when I contacted the employment office, they kindly informed me that I must be actively seeking employment in order to receive unemployment benefits, and since I cant work at all right now becuse of my recent surgery, I cant even apply for it.

Hopefully I will be able to get LTD through the state, but I need to wait 6 months before I will know for sure. Surely they will have to pay me something. Of course this again is only
a temporary benefit. I have applied for SSI and SSD, but was told by SSA that I needed to be disabled for 12 months in order to qualify for any benefits. I have a feeling that they are going to tell me that although I cant return to corrections, I can find employment where there is less physical requirements and there isnt anything in my town or in my area other then physical labor. I applied for SSD when I found out when I would be having the surgery, they sent me this "book" to fill out about my daily activities about 2 months ago, I filled it out and sent it back in, but have not heared anything since.


Porter



Porter:wave:

but was told by SSA that I needed to be disabled for 12 months in order to qualify for any benefits.
You were given incorrect information or you misunderstood what you were told.

According to the SSD website: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify.htm

"In general, we pay monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability."

Hi Porter, I don't about your state but here in NC I had a friend who was a correction officer. She had cancer and she had LTD and they paid her while she was out and she was able to get her disability. But as far as the 12 month thing what they're saying is that it has to be a disability that last 12 months or more.

Update-I was approved for LTD through the State and will start receiving a check next month, This will cover me until I am 65, whether SSD finally gets approved or not. Its such a relief to know that I will finally get an income after waiting 6 months without one. Thanks to everyone that replied.

Porter:wave:

Congrats To Ya!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Glad to hear that Porter, we all know what it's like to have to go without making any income in order to go SSDI.:bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: :D