Question about disability benefits...

[MercurialMind]

Does anyone know how the permanent disabilities from private insurers work? I am fast approaching the end of my LTD benefits and am getting anxious about what happens. I know they will assess to see if I can do ANY job, but I am not sure how the payments etc. would change?

[paul m]

Hello MecurialMind. I'm sure that must be a real worry for you. Every employer and insurance company is different. The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario has a really good fact sheet on the subject. It is a long and involved fact sheet, but fairly easy to read and provides much more info than I could ever hope too.

The long and short of it is " If you are not sure, get proper legal advice" . Not getting proper legal advice allowed my insurance company to wriggle off of the hook. Unfortunately at the time I was broke and unable to think clearly due to my illness.

The key phrasing in most LTD is "any occupation" and "total disability" leaving one to think that they have to be almost in a coma before they can still collect. However as the fact sheet explains, this is not true. If you have further questions or unsure about something, pls do not hesitate to ask. Take Care. paul m

http://www.mooddisorders.on.ca/longterm.html

[Sweetest1]

I just went through this with my LTD carrier. I got accepted past my change of status date on the first try without having to appeal. I simply asked my doctor to write on the medical form that I was "not capable of holding down ANY job at this time" and then I got approved. The fact that she wrote it across the top of the paper and underlined the "any" probably didn't hurt either.

My payments didn't change at all, but they require me to apply for CPP disability and if I get approved they'll deduct the amount of CPPD that I get from what they pay me, with the exception of the dependents benefit of 214$, which I get to keep over and above.

It may depend on your insurance policy whether you go down after the 2 years or not though, the best person to ask about the process is your case worker at the insurance company.

[A.E.V.]

I'm going through the same thing now, as my insurance company saw on the papers my pdoc sent hypomanic, which to them read ready for work. so I'm being cut off on May 4th!
the pdoc told me not to panic, and that it was too early to know if I'd be ready May 4th. don't panic?? too early?? eesh!

[Sweetest1]

Anne, you can appeal, can't you?

[A.E.V.]

the insurance company said that if I'm really not ready to go back, that the doctor had to send them a descriptive letter as to why I cannot do any job. I'm just nervous because May 4th will be here in the blink of an eye.
but if they still refuse, I will ask how I can appeal that. the only problem is, I am no longer employed by the company that was issuing me the insurance.

[Sweetest1]

the only problem is, I am no longer employed by the company that was issuing me the insurance.

That shouldn't make a difference. My LTD would pay even if my job let me go. I hope your doctor will back you up and write you that note!

[MercurialMind]

I'm just really, really anxious. I can't work right now, even though I wish more than anything I could. I really want to be at work. I don't want to be at home, but I can't help but feeling guilty about being at home and scared that the insurance company is going to decide that I am not ill enough. (sigh)

So, I have panic attacks about it every day or so... or week or so...depending on the week...

[uni]

I've been in a similar situation more than once in the past. Your anxiety can go off the charts! It seems to be the not knowing that's the most anxiety provoking. Once you know the score, you can figure out ways to deal with it.

There's been some helpful info on this thread. I agree with Sweetest about getting good backup from your doctor. Majorly important.

MercurialMind, I hear you about the guilt thing. Even when it's totally not our fault, it's so easy for others to guilt us into thinking it is - or we do it to ourselves. It's the illness talking; it can be very sneaky. You are *not* guilty of anything!

[Stormy Weather]

I get the guilt - it is so out of place though. I'm on LTD as well right now and I've had anxiety attacks about it too. Thinking that they will hire a private investigator to prove that I'm not ill enough to not be at work.
Your insurance can't decide if you are ill or not. Only a doctor can do that.
I do understand the "what's next" anxiety, I don't have any experience with after the 2 year mark - so I can't help you there.
But do try not to feel guilty. We pay into LTD and EI all our working lives - it is there if we need it. You need it. Your doctor has said you need to be away from work. The money you are receiving is essentially yours anyway. It is insurance that you have 'bought' in case of a situation you find yourself in right now.

The best way to alleviate your anxiety is to have a talk with your doctor(s).

[MercurialMind]

My doctors are supportive and have told me that I definitely should not be working. I guess it is a testament to my anxiety that I am still so anxious about this even knowing that I have their support.

[Re-O]

Hi

From what I've seen and heard, I think is almost natural for us to think others will not think we are sick enough. Heck, I even question it within myself but one bad episode and I am reminded why I don't work.

When I have good days, I tend to socialize more and try my best to stay positive. I laugh and get the best each moment can offer.. Because each good moment is precious.

Yet, when I am down, I tend to hide or limit contact with the outside world. Sure it may not be the healthiest way but for me but it is the least painful way as any social interaction can make me crumble when I am down. So, it makes sense why others may think I am well enough to work. They don't see the bad days.

However, for the past few months I have been very down and even to this day struggle occasionally. Sure I am better but there is no way I could keep my composure at a job. This is why I can't work. It the bad days. One day I hope to work part time. I miss working. But that one day has to be after a good period of stability and even then, it's touch and go.

Before you say it, I realize many people still work. I'm not suggesting you don't have bad days. But I have yet to be at that stage in my journey although I know one day I will have things settled enough to join you all in the workforce.

[MercurialMind]

I guess I am just frustrated that I can't work, seems like I am giving up... all those "famous" people who are successful despite their bipolar disorder... I just feel like I am not trying hard enough... I mean if they can do it, why can't i?

[A.E.V.]

who knows MercurialMind, maybe at some point they had to do like us and take a break to heal.
besides, even if they don't take a break, we don't know how much they're suffering.

I too struggle with the same frustration you do... I used to do it, why not now? well, I'm only starting to understand (I've a thick skull sometimes) that I need this time so I can get back to someone that can function. maybe not like before unfortunately, but that can function.

[paul m]

I guess I am just frustrated that I can't work, seems like I am giving up... all those "famous" people who are successful despite their bipolar disorder... I just feel like I am not trying hard enough... I mean if they can do it, why can't i?

Hello MercurialMind. Not an uncommon sentiment and I have felt that way myself on many occasions . However many of those famous people had resources far beyond my reach. For example, Homewood is a semiprivate hospital here in Ontario that is reknown around the world for it's treatment of mental health issues and/or addictions. It is simply one of the best there is. Because I don't have the resources to pay my own way in, the average wait for a ward bed is 18 mths. 18mths is a very long time, especially at the start of our illnesses when it can be treated best. Movie Stars just write a check(or their studio does) and they are instantly admitted.

Carrie Fisher , who I admire greatly and post about all the time, only goes the the best doctors in North Americia to keep herself healthy. I cannot even get a regular psychiatrist, I have to take who ever is available in an emergency. The availability and quailty of treatment makes a huge difference with a mental illness.

We do not have jobs where we can blow up spectacurily and then still get our job back. Or work only when we are healthy and still make enormous amounts of money.

Finally, everybodies illness is different, some people have a more serious illness than the next person and there is no real way to measure that. For every famous person who is successfully in dealing with their mental illness, there a legion more who just faded from view and/or ended up in the obituary column.

But, like you and many others , I've certainly had my share of self doubts at times. Than I realize that many successful people with a mental illness took years to get the demons out of their life. When I'm mired in a bad spot I want to be better now, but few people are actually able to do that. Take Care. paul m