I’m in my mid-40’s and have been out of the workforce for the past 7 years, living in New York.

5 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 28,2025 at 3:37PM UTC

   To make sure I understand, your doctors say you are not fit to work, but SSDI is denying you benefits because they say you are fit? If that's the case, this isn't something random people on the internet should be offering an opinion on. Have you asked your doctors why specifically they don't want you returning to work? Are you working with an attorney or advocate to get your benefits? I would ask the doctors to be super specific about their concerns, then see if you can get a free consultation with an expert in SSDI.

2. AnonymousMay 5,2025 at 9:32AM UTC

   My memory loss is the main key factor in why doctors are not supportive of me returning to work. My lawyer, who specializes in disability cases, has a solid 20+ years of experience under her belt and a 93% success rate. With all of this being said, I have active concerns about volunteering. My Lawyer cautioned that SSDI is looking for any reason under the sun to deny benefits. Also, their mindset very well may be asking: ‘if she can volunteer, why can’t she work?’ Working any job requires at minimal a mustard seed of memory. Also, the stressors of volunteering are zero versus stressors on a job. This has been quite the debacle. In my most recent job - which I thought was ‘the perfect fit’ for me - didn’t end up working out due to my alcohol abuse. With all of this being said, have I done revocable damage?

3. AnonymousApril 28,2025 at 5:32PM UTC

   Try very part-time or project based work or occasional volunteer work to test the waters

4. AnonymousApril 30,2025 at 12:35PM UTC

   Since it’s been so long, I suggest getting a second and third opinion from other doctors. Unless you’re a danger to yourself or others, doctors can’t stop you from working if you aren’t in an in patient program.

   I think starting with part time or volunteer work could be great!

5. AnonymousMay 5,2025 at 9:56AM UTC

   I live in a neighborhood where everybody knows everybody. Sounds like Mayberry, right? Due to this though, I have serious concerns about my personal medical records being exploited. I have sought out 3rd opinions. (Thanks for that great suggestion!!). But because everybody knows everybody, getting these appointments has been challenging, with 1st available appointments being 5-6 months out. Frustrating? Absolutely. I live 8 hours from Cleveland Clinic. Worth the time & travel to get their opinion? I feel the docs where I live are not equipped to deal with more complex cases like mine.