Time just ran out

[tpm]

My termination date is today from my place of employment for the past 28 years. Over the past week or so I have been trying to get a 3 month extension until I meet with my surgeon again (because you never know what tomorrow brings). although my union says they are trying to help I really don't think they could care less. Plus just on Friday my wife came home to tell me her school district has an opening for a permanent part time worker, 3.5 hours a day for some computer work in a warehouse. It pays about 20.00 an hour. I really don't know if I could sit behind a desk for that long but I wish it were made available a few months from now NOT NOW! Financially with me trying to get SSDI and some type of WC future earning I don't think it would be wise to consider it RIGHT??
Not a good day

Be Well

[jayne]

its a hard pill to swallow tpm......keep a positive attitude my friend...things work out some how.....we are here for you

[capricorn]

Tom...I had the same struggle. I was offered a job about 2 weeks after I was injured. This was maybe 4 months after I had applied the Co. finally called. Too late. I spent the next 3 years not knowing what to do and wasn't getting any better. I sat tight and tried to stay positive as Jayne suggested. I ended up settling my case, filing for disability on my pension and SSD. Won all 3. I have now retired at 55. This is what's best for me so I feel letting God things worked out for the best. I wish you all the best.

[Still in Limbo]

TPM, My Opinion if You Feel You are going to Win on Your Case is to Set Still. You May want to Contact Your Attorney and Have a Discussion with Them, and also Your Dr. I have been in "Limbo" (as My Screen Name Says) since My Injury in 10/04, and I have Spent Many Days, or should I Say Months Dreading the He** I am Having to Endure along with the Pain and Isolation, but I have the Faith in the Good Lord above, and I Trust My Attorney 110%, and He Feels I will Win Everything I Deserve. That's All I ever Wanted, just what is Due Me from being Disabled, Not a Penny Less, or a Dime More! My SSDI Case just came Up for Review, and I Filled Out the Questionnaire, and They sent Me a Letter back Stating that They are not going to Review My Case, Meaning even They can Easily See I'm Disabled! It's Tough My Friend, but We are Here for You, Anytime!! I Hope You can Find Some Peace, and I Wish You the Very Best!!

[freebird]

TPM, I really feel this is a question you have to answer. I see you were employed at one place for 28 years so you are probably above 50 which can become important when applying for SSDI.
I was injured at age 45. I knew when I wrecked, my back was messed up but I had no idea how bad. I applied for SSDI 18 months after my accident. I was denied. I got me a Attorney and we appealed. I went to Court 6 months later and was found disabled. I received a backpay check of approx $38500 dollars. It actually was approx. $43800 but the Attorney got $5300.
Now here is the kicker. I made really good money and I was in shock at how little my SSDI was going to be.
Currently I get a check for $2184 a month from SSA. That a 1/3 of what I made. Maximum benefit is $2323 for someone who has no kids at home under 18.

My biggest asset is I still receive $2000 a month from WC. I had no offset because of my past high wages. Also my wife is employed with excellent benefits and a good wage. I am blessed, We have no children at home.

My house is paid for and we are basically debt free. I am a fortunate man in the world of WC and a IW.

We did borrow money from a IRA (Hardship withdrawal) to pay off some bills. You can do this without penalty with a Hardship withdrawl.

I tell you these things to try and prepare you. If you are disabled, apply now for SSDI. Make sure your Attorney is aware of this so all the offset if applicable can be minimized by your Attorney preparing everything properly.

Work hard at becoming debt free.

If you cannot work, expect some big income adjustments. You might be lucky but I would not expect a big settlement from WC neither. I have been offered $150k and MSA to settle.(Well, It seems we are stuck on the MSA amount). That seems like a lot but I am fairly young myself(low 50's).

I hope the best for you. It is a rough road when you become disabled. There is so much to try and understand and comprehend. A good Attorney is your key. God Bless and pray for the right thing in your life.

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

TPM, please don't blame your Union if they can't get an extension. As you know, your Union contract is with said employer. If they employer say's no extension, then that is that. But, please keep in mind, if employer agree's to extension for you, they may have to do this each time then someone else becomes injured. I would say, your employers attorney, is telling them this, and telling them, not to do it. I tried the extension myself, and employer said no, they our bound to the time limits of the Union contract, and will not go further.

[tpm]

Thank you everyone for the replies

Bad Boy
I don't blame them but I do expect as much effort from them as they gave another driver convicted of DUI who was put in a protected job for more then 13 months and then came back to driving with his seniority in tact. Both company and union policy stated he should have been terminated.
I did get a phone call from the delegate yesterday that they are waiting for the response from the company. That is something at least

freebird
I am 53 and my SSDI would be almost identical to yours. Unfortunately I have a mortgage here in NY with children still living at home (no one under 18 however). I have to squeak it out till I turn 55 and then get a reduced pension of around 1800.00 per month. I know it could be worse

Limbo, capricorn, and Jayne
Thank you so much for your input and as always I respect what you have to say

Be Well

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

TPM, and DUI employee.

TPM, I know Union issues. And a Union/Employer has an obligation to first ask and offer the DUI employee, help with their problem. This goes at a high cost from the Union and employee healthcare. If employee rejects, their fired on the spot. If employee goes to the programs, and when done is clean, comes back on working. Employee DUI, didn't tell you, they are now subjected to ongoing testing and programs must continue also, by Union, and by employer.

Please TPM, two different issues, 2 different employees. Neither has a relation to your employee/employer issue though.

Okay TPM, time to let the cat out of the hat. mployer has an attorney. In most cases, attorney tells employer now don't extend. As you wish extension, I don't see it taken place. The reason, your are big major risk, more now then when you did return to work the first time. You've showed them, this issue on your cervical neck is going to keep happening if your working bouncing around in that truck. You, yourself even know, you might have another Disc going bad, yet your surgeon should have addressed while in there doing surgery this time but refused. it's just a matter of time, and it will be done. Come on buddy, you know this, I know this. We don't want to know it, but we have to accpect at some point.