Self employed--eligible for Social Security disability?

[dlady64]

After 15 years of working in Information Technology for corporate America, I quit my high paying, incredibly stressful job, took out a 2nd mortgage to cover my expenses for six months and started my own commercial writing business.  I actually love it and did quite well until, in October, I was advised to begin the transplant evaluation process in hopes of a pre--emptive transplant, *before* I needed dialysis. 

Unfortunately, my kidney function has fallen from 20% in October to 8% this last week.  I did get on the UNOS list last week, but I've gotten a PD cath placed and have been advised to start PD in the next couple of weeks.

My little 2nd mortgage is running out.  I haven't been well enough to do the marketing and networking needed to keep the work rolling in, so I'm not making any money.  And, honestly, I've been an emotional wreck.  Some days, it's all I can do to get out of bed in the morning, much less search for leads and prospects. 

My question is this:  I've worked all my life in the corporate world--except for this last six months or so.  Does anyone know where I can find information about qualifying for social security disability?  While I was interviewed at the beginning of my transplant evaluation by a social worker, they seemed much more worried about whether we could afford the drugs and therapy.  Fortunately, my husband has incredible insurance coverage and that won't be a problem.  It's just that we need for me to be bringing in at least a part-time wage--and I don't seem to be able to muster the energy to do it.

Anyone else have similar experience?  If so, any suggestions?

Thanks!

[willieandwinnie]

Hi dlady64, you should be eligible for Social Security as soon as you start training on PD. Go to their web site and fill out application. http://www.ssa.gov/ You paid taxes all those years you were climbling that corporate ladder. The sooner you fill out the forms the better, they are very SLOW processing applicants. I hope this helps. I fought with them for 2 years and finally got a senator involved and the problem was resolved within 24 hours. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/medicare.htm#va

Take care and good luck. Keep us posted.

[Sluff]

I hope you get what you deserve. We all pay in to this and it should be there for us as well. Good Luck 

[paris]

ESRD is an automatic qualification for SS disability.  I did all my paperwork online. Never had to go into the office. My case worker called one time to verify some facts.  Gather all you doctors information, medications, birth certificate, etc  together before you start applying.  My whole process took 3 months, record time for the Federal government!  From the medical records they established I was eligible actually 2 years before I applied and I got a seperate check for one year of back pay.  Start the process and get the benefits.  I really hesitated, but they explained to me that I had paid into it for years and it was time for me to make a withdrawal.  Everyone I had contact with was very nice and willing to help.    Let me know if I can be of any help.  Hurry up--go now-------

[Treasure]

Hmmm...if ESRD is an automatic qualification for SS disability, some one should tell Social Security. Someone who doesn't have enough current work credits and is married to someone who also doesn't have enough current work credits, may not be able to get it for a while. Or at least that is what I have been told the 3 times I have applied, as an ESRD patient, in the last 4 four years.

[flip]

Just like Paris said, mine was automatic. I actually received my first check before I started dialysis. Medicare will kick in after 3 months.

I think that 15 years in a high paying job should get you a pretty decent monthly check. It is based on what you have paid in.

[glitter]

my husband got his easily too,I did it online- we had one 45 min phone call and that was it- and we were self-employed for 10 years- he had enough credits though- I do not know what they can do for people without enough credits...maybe SSI, or perhaps you have to rely on state programs...that would sure make it hard.

[bolta72]

Yes, you must have enough credits and if not, you will get SSI. If you are a vetern you van apply for a veterns pension with the Va and can get 932.00 if single and up to 1200 if married.

[paris]

Sorry if I stated that wrong----of course, you need the correct number of work credits.  I was surprised how low the work credit number actually was. My SIL, dying from cancer, was elligible for disability and she had only worked part time for 8 years.     And your medical records must show you are ESRD.  15 years at a job would certainly earn you enough credits.  And years ago, a bill was passed that concerned disability and patients with ESRD.  I can only say how easlily mine went through.   

Treasure, has Social Security given you a print out showing how many work credits you have earned or given you any indication when you will have enough?  I am sorry you are having so much trouble with you benefits.

[glitter]

Treasure, has Social Security given you a print out showing how many work credits you have earned or given you any indication when you will have enough?  I am sorry you are having so much trouble with you benefits.

if they have not you can request it right on SSA front page..

[Treasure]

Yes, of course I have gotten print out...every year, for years. And I have not worked enough to qualify...and my husband only reached the point of having enough to qualify in the past couple of months. This was not an oversight-- we just did not qualify under the guidelines.  I think people need to be careful about universally applying their experiences with Social Security to all ESRD patients-- because there can be exceptions. I have been one of those exceptions since I started dialysis in 2004.

The last time I checked, they said I would need to work 5 years, earning the minimum amount of credits to qualify. That was about 1.5 years ago. I have earned 2 credits in that amount of time (which makes sense since I have earned income of about 2k in that 5 year period).  My husband has worked for 4 years now, so that has made a difference, for him. But since we are separated, it's a bit tricky for me to use his credits. It can be done, but requires additional phone calls to Social Security to make sure the accounting is handled properly.

[thegrammalady]

it took 9 month for my disability to be processed and 3 months for medicare. you can apply for disability now and for medicare as soon as you start training for pd. apply for part a, b, and d. part b is what pays for doctor and dialysis costs. part d will cover prescriptions. you need part d even if you have other drug coverage because if you need to get it at a later date it will cost more.

[willieandwinnie]

Treasure, you should be able to get SSI even if you don't have enough credits. Check the Social Security web site.

 http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

[Sunny]

It sounds to me like you have enough "quarters" to qualify for SSI benefits so you should apply for that.
People with ESRD who are unable to work can qualify for SSI. They also specify that you had contributed
into the system within the last some odd quarters(I forget how many exactly), but it sounds like you fall
within the required range. The worst that can happen is they turn you down, so it's worth a try.
If they do turn you down, there is an appeal process. Only thing is, they will ask for a doctor confirmation.

[Treasure]

Treasure, you should be able to get SSI even if you don't have enough credits. Check the Social Security web site.

 http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Hey...thanks for doing a bit of checking. I had already done all the checking (my specialty is information retrieval...if the information is out there, I can definitely find it).  But no, I can not get SSI...can not get SS disability. I always fall between the cracks. I apply twice a year, and it just doesn't happen. Even on appeal. My recent turn down was sent last week. I knew I would be turned down, though, because I had gone through the regs with a fine-tooth comb. But when I apply for other services, they require that you apply for everything else you might be entitled to, and the rejections come in handy for documentation purposes.

The number of quarters you need are determined by your age, and your earnings. Since my last two jobs were working in  state and local government, I didn't have any Medicare wages...so that sets me back even further.

I do have Medicare...based on my husband's record. But accepting Medicare has been an absolute nightmare because I have private insurance, and the two entities refuse to coordinate the benefits.

Maybe after I have worked for another 4.5 years I will be able to get social security, but of course, if I work for another 4.5 years, I won't need it...hehehe. And I'm not betting I'm going to last that long, anyway.