I was on disability for fibro. First, I worked in a health facility that had a decent benefit package. It was long term illness coverage for 2 1/2 years, then it ended and I had to apply for the disability coverage.

This is when your health benefits get a bit convoluted. When I was first off, the medical insurance company told me to apply to our governments disability plan, which decreased the amount of money the insurance company had to pay out. This was the lucky part because after the 2 1/2 years they wanted to cut me off financially but because they had already told me to apply for benefits they actually arguing against themselves.

Secondly, when you are ill, or have a diagnosis of something, your doctor identifies it by the axis. Example, mentally ill person gets pneumonia. Axis 1 is the mental illness, axis 2 is the pneumonia.

My doctor sent the paper work through with axis 1 being depression, axis 2 was fibromyalgia. I was sent to a psychiatrist who said I would be healthier if I worked. Which can be true. Working did help with my depression, but that was not why I stopped working.

It was the axis 2, fibromyalgia that kept me from working. So my doctor resubmitted my paperwork with fibromyalgia being axis 1.

It is not easy. When your submission goes in, over 70% of all submissions are automatically turned down. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who are fraudulent and this weens them out. So persist, keep your health records orderly, make copies of every document, know what you are entitled to, and keep trying.

It’s exhausting, painful and hurtful being put through the grinder, by different people whose attitude says “you’re a scammer”.

Hi, I’m Jackie. I was diagnosed 4 years ago. Been working at Chrysler for 22 years. This yerar has been the worst. I’ve only worked 5 months this whole year. Some of it was due to layoffs. But all the rest was because I just can’t do factory work anymore. I had to get coded and I did have a job that allowed me to sit/stand at my convenience, which was great..but they had a large bank of the items I was producing so they didn’t need me and put me off work due to no work available because of my restrictions.. As far as disability benefits, I’m getting that now because I work for a UAW company. I can receive it for a year ( but I’m hoping they call me back so I can finish till retirement), but after that year is up if they haven’t called me back than I may be forced to take an early retirement. In your case if you don’t work for a UAW than you would need to call an attorney or Social Security. They would be able to help you! Prayer going up for you!

Washington state

I would like to know as well!

I don't live in Canada so this wouldn't apply to me but thank you both for responding as I am sure it will help someone else.