I’m seeking assistance regarding my brother, who needs guidance on accessing his disability insurance.
My brother worked for the government for about seven years and became vested in the retirement system after five years. He was doing well until he started experiencing severe sleep issues, which, despite trying strong medications, did not improve. This struggle seems to have contributed to his growing depression. He used to be punctual and organized, but he changed drastically, and, unfortunately, it’s been downhill since then.
Over the past six months, he’s been diagnosed with major depressive disorder by two psychiatrists. Since that time, he has been unable to work, spending his days at home ordering takeout and neglecting basic chores. His laundry piles up, and he rarely sleeps.
His previous employer offers disability benefits that remain available for up to 72 months after separation, even if an employee resigns or is terminated. I accompanied him to meet with his HR department, where the staff were very supportive. They mentioned that he could explore benefit programs and use his remaining sick leave to participate in them. However, my brother, who exhibits a flat affect due to his depression, expressed that he just wanted to give up and couldn’t work anymore, ultimately being marked as resigned.
The HR team provided us with information on both short-term and long-term disability insurance that my brother had enrolled in when he joined the department. We will need to review the details carefully.
I believe the best course of action for him is to apply for both SSI and SSDI, as he has more than the required 40 credits for full disability benefits. He also has about $10,000 saved, but with rent at $1,500 and a car payment of $600, his savings will dwindle quickly. We need to expedite his applications for SSI and SSDI, and once approved, we can look into the disability insurance plan he’s still eligible for despite his resignation.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this situation. I wasn’t aware that major depressive disorder could qualify someone for full disability payments through SSI and/or SSDI. Is it advisable to pursue SSI/SSDI first, considering they can more accurately assess disability than an insurance company?
I’m really sorry to hear about your brother’s situation; it sounds incredibly tough for both of you. It’s great that you’re there to support him through this challenging time. Here are a few thoughts that might help guide your next steps:
Pursue SSDI and SSI Together: Since your brother has worked for the required amount of time and has accrued the necessary work credits, applying for SSDI is definitely a wise option. It would likely provide him with a significant financial safety net. Since he also has limited resources, applying for SSI could be beneficial as well, as it provides assistance based on financial need.
Medical Documentation: Ensure that your brother has comprehensive documentation of his medical condition. This includes records from his psychiatrists, any hospitalizations, and treatments he’s received for his major depressive disorder. Keeping a record of how his condition affects his daily life can also be helpful for both SSDI and SSI applications.
Initiate the Application Process: Applying for SSDI and SSI can be a lengthy process, so it’s a good idea to start as soon as possible. Research the application requirements and consider consulting with a disability attorney or advocate if needed, as they can help navigate the complexities of the paperwork and increase the chances of approval.
Explore Disability Insurance Benefits: It’s also vital to read through the long-term disability insurance documents provided by your brother’s former employer. Understanding the specifics can help clarify what he’s entitled to and how it might supplement any SSI or SSDI benefits. Some disability policies might have more favorable terms compared to government assistance.
Support Services: Encourage your brother to seek out support services such as therapy and local mental health resources. Many communities have organizations that offer free or low-cost mental health resources. Fostering connections and resources may help him feel less isolated as he navigates this difficult path.
Plan for Finances: Given your brother’s savings and his rent obligations, it might be helpful to create a budget that accounts for his expenses, particularly as he transitions into applying for these benefits. Knowing his financial situation in detail will aid in managing his resources until he receives any potential benefits.
Staying Informed: Disability regulations can change, and each case is unique. Keeping informed and perhaps joining support groups for people with similar conditions can provide additional resources and insights.
Your involvement is clearly invaluable, so continue to encourage your brother and help him through this process. It might feel overwhelming, but with the right steps and support, there is a path forward.