Can you return to your old job? - Disabilities Message Board

RetiredDirector · 06-14-2005, 01:42 PM

I was urged by my employer to apply for disability due to medical reasons which I did two years ago. I was granted SSD on the first try six months after I applied and the paperwork I received said I would be up for a review in five to seven years. I am almost 60 years old and I was wondering if they deem me able to return to work I will be 63-65 years old. Does my previous employer (the one who urged me to go on disability) have any obligation to give me my old job back? I still have some ties to the company, such as the pension plan, 401K plan, etc. I probably could work again if I get some of my medical issues taken care of and my doctor gives me the ok to return. I guess my concern is I will be so close to retirement age, I'm afraid most employers will not want to hire me. Although this is job discrimination, we all know it happens all the time.

Does anybody have any opinions on this matter?

tip2mol · 06-17-2005, 12:05 AM

Hi,

Of course you are protected under the Americans with disabilities act- but as far as your old employer having an obligation to re-employ you- they don't have to.
Since you are no longer officially employed with them and you have been on SSDI- you would be considered a new hire and they can easily say they do not have a position open or that the position has been filled by a more qualified applicant.
Wish I could offer you better information- but I know that you want the truth.

Best wishes

lillypad · 07-27-2005, 12:22 PM

My attorney told me that when people are close to retirement age they rarely ask for a review. I wouldn't worry about it! You can work now and earn up to $800 a month, if it is something you can do. Otherwise, work on getting as healthy as you can, that would be my plan! Take care.