I am currently on SSI disability.

13 Comments

1. Cyndi RosenblattDecember 20,2022 at 8:07PM UTC

   Other considerations depend on your health status. Would you be moving away from a solid support system (friends/family)? Are there specific insurance, services, or cash supplements that might be lost if you are moving to a different state? Will any medical specialists you need be available (and within a reasonable time frame - I hear about months-long wait lists for some types of doctors) near the new location? Do you get home health services? Those can take time to set up. If your health is permanently impaired but reasonably stable and these things aren't a factor, it might be worth trying to relocate for better opportunities, especially if the new location has a cheaper cost of living. People do it all the time, just extra layers when you have a chronic health condition. Best of luck!

2. Sam LDecember 20,2022 at 9:50PM UTC

   I would have to completely rebuild my medical and social support network. It's only a few hours away from here, but I'd not be traveling back here for appointments. I don't know if I'm up to doing all that on my own again. If I had a partner or a friend in the new area it wouldn't sound so daunting. It's simply that I dislike being so dependent on the government and so poor that I can't do the things that would make life enjoyable. Having a real job and the self-worth that comes with it would be great, but I would have to give up so much to move away from here to get that. Sadly, nothing worth doing comes up where I live.

3. AnonymousDecember 21,2022 at 6:08PM UTC

   Well it sounds like you already made your decision. All the things that are holding you back can easily be obtained or resolved. Just take it day by day. Baby steps if you have to or big ass leaps if thats what you want to do. Its your life your in charge and what don't kill you makes you stronger. You've conquered the worst part baby girl so everything else is a cakewalk.

   I know because im right where you are in lfe today right now. And guess what? The time is right so put your faith in what ever you believe in because there is a higher power best believe and its in us and it drives us every single damn day.

   Put your big girl panties on and level up! Your a Queen so go get your crown and whoever and whatever get in your way smash em and trash em not literally. Lol but eliminate all fears, barriers and haters cause at the end of the day its you that make or break you nobody else. They either with you or against you, trust your gut(womans intuition).

   Start networking now to find people with the same interest in the area you plan to be in. Change your location on social media or start a new profile with that location and link up like that. Join a group, do your research, write down your plans and goals down on paper and stick to it. Create a vision board. If you fail to plan you plan to fail.

   Get the resources you need and take advantage of them thats what there for. Ask questions even if you think its a dumb question. Drink allaline water it clears your mind and it gives you energy and more.

   Love yourself more than you've ever loved anything or anyone. Be great! You got this girl! WE GOT THIS!

4. AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 8:00PM UTC

   While I understand the "encouragement" factor, life is incredibly complicated when there are chronic health conditions in the mix and saying they are easy to resolve is not realistic. That's dismissing the true scope of relocating under those circumstances, especially when you have an established support system in place. It's a risk worth taking if you already aren't getting the level of care or support you need where you are, but needs to be carefully weighed, fully assessed, and extensively prepared for if you are already receiving the support and services you need.

   And alkaline water has dubious health claims, costs more than tap water regardless of how it's obtained, and is downright dangerous for anyone with kidney disease. Please be cautious about dispensing medical advice (and "cautious" means "don't do it"), especially to people who are already compromised.

5. AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 1:47PM UTC

   Keep looking, or start looking for, remote work to supplement or otherwise. The stress of rebuilding may set you back more. Sadly, this is a common story. I wish you the best no matter what you choose.

6. AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 5:19AM UTC

   When looking for remote jobs, make sure you’re searching large metropolitan areas. LinkedIn and recruiting software have trouble with multiple cities in regards to hybrid or remote classification. I’ve had some health stuff lately that has definitely put me close to your shoes and I know it’s incredibly deflating. Remember that you are not your disability, evaluate what skills you’re most confident in and able to do with your current condition. Also, know what you can’t do and a scan job descriptions to make sure they aren’t listed, but if they ARE listed, still apply, but make sure to ask the recruiter or hiring manager (if you get to talk to them) how much of the role would incorporate those skills.

   never be afraid to put yourself out there! It’s all a numbers game and there are SO many jobs with GREAT benefits that are remote!

7. AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 11:51PM UTC

   I value my quality of life above all else. I moved across country to reinvent my life when tragedy upended mimy life. After mourning and recovering from some health issues, I felt myself falling into a dark place and rallied my Healthcare providers. I explained my dilemma and took the Covid years to devise a plan. Without knowing anyone and without a job I packed up and moved sight unseen.

   It was scary and daunting at 68 but I figured why not? Best decision ever! My life is 200% more alive, engaging and rewarding. I found a wonderful job doing what I know and what I love, I can now travel a bit, take classes, re-energize my yoga practice and I've made some wonderful friends.

   My health has improved, my outlook is more youthful and building momentum fir my 70s.

8. Cynthia Armistead NewmanDecember 24,2022 at 3:48PM UTC

   Are you on SSI or SSDI? There are significant differences between the two.

   I strongly recommend that you consider remote jobs before relocating for a part-time opportunity. There are so many of them now!

   Best of luck!

9. Sam LDecember 24,2022 at 7:20PM UTC

   SSI. I am looking at remote, but I haven't found the right opportunity yet. SSI makes it a pain to do any freelance or gig work, which would be ideal just to pick up something little when I'm able. So I'm looking also for part-time remote W2 work. Basically, if I go back to FT, I'd have to be convinced I could do it and not break down again, and it would have to pay enough to replace my lost SSI and insurance. My counselor doesn't want me to work, but she knows how restless I'm feeling. I've been homeless before and money pinches scare me.

10. AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 9:23PM UTC

    I understand completely. I was on SSDI for a short time, and when I went back to work (remotely) I was really worried about whether I could truly handle it. I dropped back and took a job for which I was WAY overqualified.

    10 years later, I'm doing fine, thank goodness. I regret undervaluing myself back then, but I've climbed back up the ladder now.

    Good luck!

11. AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 6:12PM UTC

    The jobs you're thirsting after do your homework on the companies and locations. What type of support or resources do they have. Most of all pray...

12. AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 7:21PM UTC

    You are the only one that can make that decision for you. Decide, Commit, & Follow Through. Make sure if you do decide to make this move that it is worth it, financially and mentally. Do a thorough job of interviewing your hiring manager, and make sure you ask to speak to a peer (not in a group). This insight will guide you correctly in your decision making. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

    It also looks like you have some invaluable feedback already regarding your type of disability and how that might affect you as well.

13. AnonymousDecember 27,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    SSID allows you nine months to still receive benefits to try the waters out before discontinuing your benefits. Make sure you know the amount you cannot earn more than before they start the clock. The last I checked, it was around $800/month and NOT the SGA limit. This is regardless of the cost of living where you reside. There are a lot of factors to consider in relocating under any circumstance such as a good learning opportunity with increased learning potential, gaining self worth and an entryway into a job you love. Maybe speak with your doctors to gain a better understanding if your health challenges are stabilized enough so that you wouldn’t become sick again. Also, do you familial and medical supports in the new location. You should have every reason to be positive and there are safety guards in place. You also have three years to reinstate past the nine month trial work period should anything happen that would prevent you from working. Best of luck!