Hello --
I'm new to this board and to this dilemma so hoping for some guidance.

The situation is this: My hubby went through chemo in July through Dec. of 07, then developed severe neuropathy from the chemo, and can not even hold a pen much less work. He is worse off then when he was on chemo even.

So I understand that he can apply for permanent disability but I have heard horror stories about qualifiying for that. My question is this: Can he get his state disability extended does anyone know? He's only been on it for less than 8 months, and the letter said he's exhausted his benefits.

We're hoping he won't be permanently disabled, that's not something either of us wants to think about, but what about somewhere in between the two? There must be others in this same situation that need help for longer than 8 months! to recover from their illnesses or disabilities.
Any help or info would be much appreciated.
oh we are in Calif. if that makes a difference.
thanks!

I don't know anything about state disability, perhaps someone else knows something.

On federal, my understanding is that SSI and SSDI only care if the disability will last at least 12 months. If you get on it, then decide to work, you can always get off disability again. But there are helpful rules in some situations, that if the same disability causes you to not be able to work again, you don't have to re-apply, they'll just reinstate the benefits. And SSDI has incentives for going back to work when you can, and not losing benefits unless you make too much that month.

The bottom line is that it is never too soon to apply for disability. It may take considerable time for the claim to go through the process and the date of application is critical for the amount you will receive.

I'd go to your local office or apply online if he can, just to get the ball rolling. No one ever knows how long a disability will last unless someone is permanently disabled. In your husband's case, he might be disabled longer than planned, he might not - it's a matter of his own recovery.

I was on Temporary State Disability after my back surgery. I got it for 6 months. No notice or anything when it would end. I happen to check the stub and saw a tiny balance. So I called them. They told me I would get one more check and that was it. I told them I was still disabled and what should I do. Basically I was told it was ending and there was nothing they could do about it. They don't extend it. That is in New Jersey. So at that time I had to decide what to do. So I applied for disability retirement from work and Social Security. I worked for the State and to qualify I needed two doctors to say I was totally disabled. I got that and was approved and officially retired as of 4/1/07 at age 43. I applied for Social Secuirity in March 2007 but was denied. In June I went to an attorney who filed an appeal. Still waiting on that. I would say he should apply for Social Security. I did online and then hand delivered all my documentation and medical records. Some people go in and apply. ONline was easier for me. SS is only if you will be disabled 12 months or longer. If it is only for a little more time then no use applying. It sounds like something long term for your husband. I hate to say but the government doesn't seem to care. If my husband was not able to take a pension loan we would not have been able to survive during the months I waited for my retirement to begin. Good luck with everything.

Hello --
I'm new to this board and to this dilemma so hoping for some guidance.

The situation is this: My hubby went through chemo in July through Dec. of 07, then developed severe neuropathy from the chemo, and can not even hold a pen much less work. He is worse off then when he was on chemo even.

So I understand that he can apply for permanent disability but I have heard horror stories about qualifiying for that. My question is this: Can he get his state disability extended does anyone know? He's only been on it for less than 8 months, and the letter said he's exhausted his benefits.

We're hoping he won't be permanently disabled, that's not something either of us wants to think about, but what about somewhere in between the two? There must be others in this same situation that need help for longer than 8 months! to recover from their illnesses or disabilities.
Any help or info would be much appreciated.
oh we are in Calif. if that makes a difference.
thanks!

i am in CA. i just exhausted mine after 52 weeks. i called, cant extend them. so here i sit, in the middle of my first appeal, and cant pay for my medications (co-pays, since i have insurance). i actually wrote my Congresswoman, and the governor to complain about the system. the Congresswoman actually called me today and left a message. i'll be calling back tomorrow.

msdebagain,
That's interesting that you got a return call! Please let me know what you find out and who you called. I live just north of you actually.
My husband filed for SS disability after his 6 months temp disability ran out and we are still in limbo and from what it sounds like from this Board, a long wait.
I work but my income only pays our mortgage, so we are struggling to hang in there too.
What was your injury, or illness? was it work related or no?
I don't think there is any rhyme or reason to this racket, it does seem like certain conditions get favorable approval more so than others; I know of two people who claimed bipolar and got approved within 6 months (if they're bipolar then so am I;)
anyway, hope you have a resolution soon and please do post about what happens with your contact with the congressperson.

msdebagain,
That's interesting that you got a return call! Please let me know what you find out and who you called. I live just north of you actually.
My husband filed for SS disability after his 6 months temp disability ran out and we are still in limbo and from what it sounds like from this Board, a long wait.
I work but my income only pays our mortgage, so we are struggling to hang in there too.
What was your injury, or illness? was it work related or no?
I don't think there is any rhyme or reason to this racket, it does seem like certain conditions get favorable approval more so than others; I know of two people who claimed bipolar and got approved within 6 months (if they're bipolar then so am I;)
anyway, hope you have a resolution soon and please do post about what happens with your contact with the congressperson.
hi, sorry i didnt respond sooner. My congresswoman is Susan Davis. i'm not sure to find out who the one in your area is, but here's what happened. i called the next day and talked to someone in the office. she sent me paperwork via email to sign to okay them to divulge my records. as soon as i received the email, i signed it and got it ready to mail. then, my phone rang (i'm not kidding) it was SSDI. i got approved! can you believe it? its all in the timing. so find out who the congress person in your area is, and ask them to step in on your behalf.
my disability(s) are Degenerative disk disease, neuropathy feet and hands, spine problems (i dont remember which ones, but in 2 areas) and diabetes.