After 16 years with my company I have realized I can no longer do my duties at work,due to my illness.What used to take me 6 hours a day to do is now taking me 8 hours in the office and another 2 - 4 hours at home. Even with these long hours my results are not even close to what they used to be and I would hate to get fired. So I contacted our HR dept and advised them I would be putting in my 2 weeks notice the end of June so I could apply for SSDI. I also explained to them the reasons why as they had access to my intermittent FMLA file. The women advised me that on Friday they were announcing a round of lay off's. She then asked me if I would be willing to step up and agree to be laid off since I was leaving the company anyway. Well of course I said yes and she advised me I would be provided a years severance and get to keep medical benefits for the year as well.My question is..... Am I allowed to collect my severance while applying for SSDI? I will not be working at all but the company is providing me with severance for volunteering to be laid off. Does SSDI consider this income? Do they ask me this question and if so am I obligated to disclose this?
This would be a true blessing if it is something that is allowed. I had already banked on having no income for 6 plus month while applying and waiting for a response, would cause me to lose everything I had worth any value,including my house but I just cant pretend anymore. I have gotten way to sick to work and putting an act that I am feeling well each and everyday is becoming to much for me. Can anyone help me with this question? Thank you so very much for your time.
KV
Applying for SSDI while collecting severance pay
The more crucial issues in any SSDI application are the applicant's work history disability status. Your income, even if from a severance package, is not relevant. However, if you apply for SSI, Supplemental Security Income, then the severance pay can impact your claim or result in a rejection of your application. SSI is a needs-based program. I would discuss the matter with a disability attorney before taking any steps. Good luck.
thanks for the info
I was only going to apply for SSDI ONLY. I do not want to apply for something I do not need at this time In my life. So if I accept my severance. Package It will not impact my SSDI? I just don't want to do anything I should not. Also do u feel I should hire a lawyer right for my first time applying. I have all 4 of my doc support and all my records from my Neruologist,rhemotologist, pain management and my primary care doctor. They provided me with 3 years of records of my medical issues which I was going to send in with my initial application. So in your opinon should I still hire an attorney? This is all so new to me and I value the opinions of others that have been through it. Please eccuse any typos my vision comes and goes from some of the meds i am on.Plus i did it on my phone which texts to talk and it does not always get words correct. Thank you again, KV
SSDI claim
I always recommend an attorney for SSDI claims. Do it once, do it right. And in a case like yours, where you should confirm my belief that severance pay will not impact your SSDI application, conferring with a qualified lawyer makes even more sense. Good luck.