Monday, September 28, 2009

pros and cons list

I'm anal we all know this...so here is my pros/cons list for SSDI, LTD and working.
I emailed my social worker at clinic today to start the process of SSDI. Or think about starting it. And figuring out when.

SSDI

Pros:

Go to school full time

Not stress about going to school and trying to work

See family and friends more

Possible improvement in health

Work small part time job for extra income (Barnes and Noble? Discount!)

More time to read/crochet

Exercise more regularly

Grants for school maybe

Place student loan repayment on hold until I can work again

Food Stamps / State insurance


Cons:

Less money

Health Insurance issues

May not be able to get student loans

Might not be able to pay all bills

Money stress


Full Time Work

Pros:

Keep current income

Health insurance

Independence

Like my work friends

Easier to get student loans (possibly)


Cons:

Sleep deprived

Can’t exercise whenever I want

Will wear myself out with school and work

Can only take one class at a time

No life / never see friends or family

Work related stress


LTD:

Pros:

Go to school full time

More time to read/crochet

Exercise more regularly

See family / friends more

Possible health improvement

Less stress of working

Can get SSDI while on LTD, LTD will just deduct SSDI payments


Cons:

Can not work at all

Might not get any grants

Dealing with the insurance company every week to get paid

Stress about going to school while on LTD

Unsure of health care options

7 comments:

  1. Sorry Amy...this is a tough decision. I will be thinking about you as make it!!

    Take care,

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey Amy,

    Very difficult decision. Obviously health insurance is major, so what do you mean by saying "health insurance issues" on your cons list?

    I don't know anything about your financial situation or whatever, but if you have any credit card debt, is there a way to plan on working for say 6-8 more months and try really hard during that time to pay down any debt? I know that's not always an easy task, but if you could it would free up some financial commitments to give you more room with your disability money.

    I've had the whole disability scene in my mind for the past year and my main concern is not being able to do what I love - design. I love working for my own money doing what I love. So that part I understand how hard it is to give up!

    I hope you can find some answers you feel comfy with. Very tough.

    ReplyDelete
  3. One more thing...I've been full of things to say in the past couple days! lol

    I know you love what you do too, so maybe part time work in your firm sounds good. But you know, you can only make so much money a month before SSDI shuts you out. It's a thin line, huh?

    ReplyDelete
  4. to be honest, at this point I don't care about my credit card. I have one with about 4k on it and if I get sent to collections then so be it. It's only money. The only thing I care about is my health insurance and my jeep lol.

    Health Insurance issues is getting my meds, seeing my DR, hospitalizations. That kind of thing. It is one of the questions on my list to my SW :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Amy,

    Good luck with your decision, I know it is though but everything will work itself out.

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    ReplyDelete
  6. hey sweetie,

    happy to chat with you about the options from a legal perspective (not to mention as a fellow cystic who just went through this mess). you know how to find me.

    love you! you'll make the right decision for me -- certain of it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope God is with you in your decision making. You are amazing!

    Lucie x

    ReplyDelete