I just found this sub, hoping to find some guidance on whether or not it would be worth it to apply. Not legal or financial advice, and I'm not expecting concrete yes or no. More wondering if anyone had similar situation to mine and how it worked out because I don't think I can afford the effort and disappointment that seems to be involved with some applications. (hopefully this doesn't break any rules, I read them, but my brain is as sharp as peanut butter) Many many thanks in advance, this stuff is hard for me to understand.
I got sick June of 2022, 3 weeks after getting my dream job. My cognitive abilities evaporated, executive functioning gone, PEM started, migraines, vomiting, blind spot, fainting, trigemnal neuralgia, and a bunch of other issues set in and either persisted or got worse over the next 6 months. By then I was PIP'd out of my job because I was failing to hit goals. So I left voluntarily (I deeply regret my pride there) and started my own business but that failed too after 2 years of barely staying afloat.
Prior to KAT infusions I couldnt walk my dogs anymore, showering was a risk for crashing for a week, and the MDD I already had (but managed with medication) became unbearable. Post KAT my exercise tolerance rose a little, so now I can walk my dogs and vacuum in the same day without crashing, but anything beyond that wrecks me still. And reading is a little easier now, but comprehending/analyzing anything beyond a cheesy fiction plot causes PEM. I got checked out for dysautonomia the other day and POTS is suspected but the table tesst isn't until August.
In 2022, I made healthy 6 figures. 2023 = 38K. 2024 = 26K. Last year = $9K. I've been SO lucky to have some support from my partner and family, but that's running out.
My questions are:
If I have money in an IRA will that count against my eligibility?
I have the 40 credits needed (I'm 47) but will the benefit amount be based on my most recent years of income? (friend of partner said so, I'm skeptical)
how do I afford neuropsych testing if that's required to demonstrate my cognitive deficiencies? The problem is I "look fine" as long as we're sitting, there aren't any bright lights, loud noises, too many people talking at once, the temperature is not too hot or cole, and I'm not expected to follow along with deep conversations or ask insightful questions. I can even travel but I plan for migraines/vomiting/GI issues and def have to be sitting everywhere we go.
I have been seeing a variety of shrinks to help me keep my head on straight but my thoughts are getting real dark about the future. Will those patient survey things help my case?
Do I have to ask my last employer for evidence as to why I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan? (I hope not, but will do it if it helps)
Is there a guide that lays out best case stuff in a checklist? I went through the how-to-get-on site but I'm struggling to retain/make sense of a lot of it. Order of operations and what not.
Thanks again for any help or info. I'm getting kind of desperate.