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Posted 10/20/2007 7:37 PM (GMT -8)
Just wondering if anyone has gone on disabilty fron UC, and if so, how hard of a time was it to get it?
Posted 10/21/2007 5:46 AM (GMT -8)
I have considered disability, and have actually applied recently (just incase remicade and/or imuran doesn't work).  I've read it's difficult to get on disability with UC unless you've met certain criteria.  A couple I remember are heavy bleeding, weight below 110 lbs.  My dad just got disability for degenerative disc disease, and it took him a whole year to get it, even with his condition being as serious as it is.  It's possible to get disability with UC, as there are people out there who have it, but it's not exactly easy.
Posted 10/21/2007 6:18 AM (GMT -8)
Are you talking about permanent disability?  I was on temp. disability once for 10 weeks due to the UC when I was first diagnosed due to a couple of hospitalizations and trying to get it under control.  I didn't have any problem receiving that.
Posted 10/21/2007 8:40 AM (GMT -8)
yeah, I was thinking more of temp. How did you go about it and how long was the process? You went thru the govt?
Posted 10/21/2007 10:34 AM (GMT -8)
Check out www.socialsecurity.gov

From the Social Security Website:

"The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

Disability under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if you cannot do work that you did before and we decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s). Your disability must also last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments."

For short term / long term disability insurance I would check into employer offered benefits which if you have you'd probably be paying for at least the short term disability premiums from your work checks.  Maybe these are available to individuals also, sorry I don't know about that part... 

Posted 10/22/2007 4:51 AM (GMT -8)
sodbuster19 - The temp. disability is through the State.  I don't know what state you live in.  I live in New Jersey.  The way it worked for me, my office manager at work gave me a form to fill out.  I filled out one part, you have to take it to the doctor treating you for the UC and have them fill out their part and then your employer fills out one part.  Many doctors in my area now charge patients a $10 or $20 "fee" for filling out the disability form.  Once the form has been completely filled out, you mail it in to the State office.  It's been a while but I think it took about two or three weeks for my first check to arrive.  The amount you get depends on your salary.  It was definitely less than my salary and it was a financial struggle while on disability, but some money coming in is better than none.  I'm in the process of applying again now since I broke my foot last week (most likely due to the bone density effects of Prednisone) and found out over the weekend that I also have a blood clot in my leg.  So, if you need any help, let me know. 

Also, I had no problems getting disability.  My doctor said I couldn't work and it wasn't a problem.  I was actually the one who pushed him to let me go back to work so I probably could have been out a little longer as well.  I think most people have a problem getting permanent disability which is through Social Security.  That's a lot tougher to do because you're saying you'll never be able to work again. 

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