Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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amkm0712 02/09/2010

ok, I lost my part-time job. I am collecting unemployment. But my husband and I agree, that after several failures at different part-time jobs due to my fibro, I should apply for disability.

So, here is my question....can you collect unemployment AND apply for disability???? I am an honest person and if I would get the disability first time (I've read its getting easier for fibro patients, at least in WI), I would immediately stop the unemployment.

I have tried (many times) to talk to a lawyer, but I cannot seem to get one to call me back. So I am asking all of you...what do you think?

PS: I am still looking for a part time job to get me by, but as you all know, jobs are hard to come by. (living in a small town does not help either)

Thank and gentle hugs to you all.

deleted_user 02/09/2010

I don't know about WI, but in Alabama you cannot collect unemployment and apply for disability. In Alabama you have to be able to work in order to reciev UCB. I wish I could help. FYI When my hubby applied for disability the first time the lawyer said tney don't even talk to anyone until they have been denied first. good luck
(((((gentle hugs)))))
Andrea

deleted_user 02/09/2010

I don't know the answer to the disability question but go online and read about it at the ssa website. I am sure you probably cannot collect unemployment and disability but to just apply it shouldn't matter. It takes time to gather the information and have all the drs. turn in the info for the ss people. I got my disability on the first try. I think there are attorney's out there who will help from the start too. i applied online by myself and waited. It took about 6 months and then I got a check and letter in the mail the same day. Surprise! They paid me back pay for prior years too. Because I had been deemed disabled back a couple of years according to the ss people I got my medicare last August(my first check was in April). So just investigate and get it started. Best of luck to you.

deleted_user 02/09/2010

I don't know the answer to your question but might I suggest you call EDD or SS and find out. Don't put it off.

Make sure you have plenty of medical documentation. Try to get a statement from a doctor that says you can't work.

I wish there were more telecommuting jobs. I would love a research position that didn't require me to get out of my pj's every day. Some days just getting dressed takes up all my available energy.

Good luck..

deleted_user 02/09/2010

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination so here is my two cents worth. :o)

Disabled = incapacitated by illness or injury also physically or mentally impaired in a way that substantially limits activity especially in relation to employment or education

I think I would get their deffinition of substantally and go from there.

I also had to have statements from from several docs stating I was unable to work. There are lots of documents and requirements to be met but hey, it's the government. ;o)

It is not easy but it was retroactive for me too. That was a nice chunk of change.
Hang in there lots of us here have done it.

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