For anyone with IBC that is applying for SS Disability Benefits

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  • Teakie88
    Teakie88 Member Posts: 226
    edited November 2014

    I just happened to run across this forum on IBC, which is what I was diagnosed with back in 2011 with a recurrence in 2014. My question is: I previously worked in a grade school until I retired from there back in 2009, and I have paid into Social Security from different positions I have held and then became self-employed in 2009. Because I am self-employed, does that mean I would not be eligible for these benefits. To me a job is a job, whether at another location or at your home. When going through treatments, I was not able to perform my job due to sickness and fatigue. AND, if I had a job somewhere else, I would have had to quit due to chemo and sickness anyway. I am 59, and any information regarding this would be greatly appreciated..

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  • bride
    bride Member Posts: 382
    edited November 2014

    Teakie,

    You've asked a very good question. The SSA's general rule is that (for the year 2014) if you earn more than $720-740 a month you're not eligible for benefits. The amount you can earn does increase with the number of your dependents.

    However, if there has been a change in your medical condition that now prevents you from working, and your doctor will say so, it doesn't matter how much you earned this year, you are eligible, but not for back benefits.

    Where it gets murky and confusing is in that the SSA has changed its policy on the amount you can earn from a home business twice this year and a couple of times in 2013. I can't find anyone, including friends who work for the SSA, who can explain exactly how much you can earn in a home based business. It is a mess -- the ticket to work program comes into play as does some bizarre rule about earning a certain amount in 5 out of 7 months. But no one knows if any of this effects home based businesses.

    I'll try to find out more and either post or PM you.

    bride

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  • bride
    bride Member Posts: 382
    edited November 2014

    Spubugab,

    I'm doing some research and will PM you. There are probably benefits you can get even if you're ineligible for SSDI.

    bride

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  • spudbugab
    spudbugab Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014

    Thanks Bride


    I turned in the online app yesterday with request multiple times to process per compassionate allowances and explanations about my earnings....... I worked very low hours but my hourly pay is high. Since I went on extended leave this month my total for the year still puts me below SGA if they average it....... Is that how it works?

    I explained that I worked from home and with a very erratic schedule, special concessions yada yada. A few copies of diagnostic tests and pathology and doctors notes pasted with the IBC diagnosis and my 14 cancerous lymph nodes will be dropped off at the office next week.

    Any help you can pass along will help.

    I feel so much better already removing the pressure of work!


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  • bride
    bride Member Posts: 382
    edited November 2014

    Spudbugab,

    I think I might have some useful phrases. How much you earned doesn't matter as long as your doc (preferably your MO) states that your condition would not allow you to continue working after any date you feel you can justify. Your MO does not need to say your condition grew worse: a statement that the cumulative effects of your cancer or the effects of your treatment of your cancer have left you unable to work should be enough. Your MO may be asked to enumerate those effects -- fatigue, depression, decreased mobility, sleep disruption, and any physical changes will work. Fatigue, depression, and on-going treatment are each considered winners, according to my SSA source.

    Let me know if the SSA sends you anything that has jargon in it -- the SSA speaks its own language. Hang in there, you'll make it!

    bride

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  • spudbugab
    spudbugab Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014

    Thanks Bride!

    I contacted my MOs office today, giving them a heads up that they would be contacted soon by SS and requesting a letter with the information you suggested. All those symptoms have definitely been well documented since diagnosis.

    I will definitelyl let you know what else I hear from SS in letters, etc.

    Thanks again for the VERY helpful information and support :-)

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  • bride
    bride Member Posts: 382
    edited December 2014

    Spidbugab,

    Glad I could provide a bit of help. If I can do more either post or PM me. PMing me is probably quicker.:)

    bride

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