Nice to hear from you! You are a darling to offer me a safe haven, but you know I live in Canada? Here in Canada we do not use Lawyers to help with obtaining disability benefits and have to rely on our doctor to really be precise about detailing every symptom and how it affects me, which he really didn't do the first time and he should have never put that he was going to re-evaluate me in 2 years from now implying that I may be able to work then. There can be no indication that there is any possibility of me working not even for a minute. So I will be seeing him soon and am documenting everything and will provide him with how my symptoms affect my quality of life and explain that it is necessary her put in detail what these are. God Pet you don't know how emotionally and physically exhausted I am. As well, I want to go forth with applying for Welfare, but have hit a huge snag and that is I have a credit card which I have always used to pay everything from my utilities to gas and groceries. Yes I always paid my bill with the money I took out of my investment retirement savings and what I have been living off of 2+ years that is why I have none left. Now I learn they can could go back as much as 6 months looking into my bank statements. The fact that my credit card is with the banking institution I have my accounts in...my statements will reflect how I spent my money and even the fact I bought a wig...they will also ask if I have a credit card...and I can cancel it and feel comfortable saying I have none, but I'm worried they will question that payment when they look into my bank statements which they can go back as much as 6 months....they will want to know how I spent my money and justify it...it is for sure I may have bought a few cheap clothing items at Giant Tiger or a lipstick nothing major, but it all goes against you. I am told they will say you have money and continue to pay my bills on my credit card and when you have reached your limit then come and apply for welfare. That would put me in debt $13,000. I cannot continue to pay rent when I have no money coming in and sure I could spead things up but should they see a large amount go out of my bank I have to justify it as well I'm not in good shape physically to start packing. This is so hard and I so appreciate everyone's advice...I am also not thinking very well because I am paralyzed with fear and really don't have anyone who can help me. Well if you read above you read that my family really hasn't been concerned about this nor can they offer a king supportive word. I did get a text from my younger sister yesterday saying she now realized how serious my situation is and will do her best to help me out as much as her finances can...but still not one of my sisters can offer me a place to stay...but they sure are good at suggesting other people. I will get through this somehow and I am going to get my social worker to call welfare next week to confirm this whole thing about a credit card. I cannot believe this...how do they expect someone to keep afloat until some money would come through. So as I look into everything I need time to sort this all out...I know it delays things, but they will not process my application or could even deny it because of the credit card and bank statements. I didn't think I was going to have to go to Welfare! I was going through operations, chemo and radiation and last but not least being hospitalized almost a month and one week of that in intensive care because of the damage from the treatments. It was very serious! I got out of the hospital beginning of November and was too weak to go out of the house for over a month. What was I suppose to do? I honestly thought with everything I had reported to disability with the cancer etc. that I will have been accepted. Boy, life sure isn't fare and it is giving me a run for my money with all in my life. About a month ago I started losing my hair and it is to the point where I have almost none. That too has been a devastation and apparently in no way can this be from the chemo which was over 4 months ago! They have no answer to this, but I do feel it is stress related. I don't want to keep going on about this as I know many of you have gone through many challenges as well. All I can say is I am trying to do what I can and rest when I have to...even the thought of packing and the physical energy I will need for that. I thought I could move and store my furniture and put it on my credit card...now what am I to do? Just the review for disability will take 3 months and it is still denied then I can appeal...so no hope for any help there anytime soon. You are an angel for offering me help and I sure wish you lived close by...I just hope someone will step up to the plate...don't know who yet because just short of begging I have had an offer from my ex brother-in-law who lives far from me to live with him for a bit, but he has his house up for sale and he said all depends on that. So nothing is for sure...Thank you all so much for your caring thoughts...it sincerely means very much and it is helping me to stay strong and positive. Pet I hope you are okay as I know you were having a rough go of it a little while back. Don't think because of my woes that I cannot listen to all of yours!
Hi Sue, this is the first time I’ve seen this message and I apologize for not responding earlier, don’t know much about what’s available in Quebec (QPP) but from working in HR know that CPP is very difficult to get we used to say that to get CPP Disability you need to be on your death bed, but I have seen some people that I didn’t expect to get it be accepted. I think it came down to the Doctor’s report. Thought I would do a little research this weekend as well as read through all the posts. If I come up with something I will let you know.
Does your family know what dire straights you’re in.
I’m really sorry you’re going through this you don’t need the extra stress. PLease take care.
I live in Canada and have been on disability since 2007.
I can relate to how overwhelming it is...trying to understand whats going on when you really struggle with getting through the day. It IS JAW DROPPING when we learn what is required to get disability here in Canada. At least in the U.S. there are lawyers to help people navigate the process...
I can't stress to you enough to make it very clear how the depression alone affects your life and the ability to function on your own. i think I got lucky because the doctor taking care of me at the time was the chief of psychiatry at the hospital and was very familiar with the system. As others have said, you need to be very specific with ALL OF YOUR SYMPTOMS. We don't want to appear as if we're trying to manipulate the system but you are clearly in no shape to be working and it is appalling the lengths you have to go through to get ANY kind of help.
I also am late in responding and I'm glad to see that there are other members with better knowledge than I can offer. But if your depression began before the FM and Cancer...I would definitley be focusing my attention there. The Canadian Government seems to have more compassion for people suffering from mental illness than physical ones.
My heart goes out to you as it is a horrible feeling having your life turned upside down and every past and present financial move be examined. Also being reduced to asking for help from your family and being turned away. My boyfriend lost his job and was forced to take a lot of money from his retirement pension to pay off bills,remorgage the house for the third time and still hasn't found a job. So we live in fear of losing the house and the uncertainty of our future is extremely stressful. There were a few times that we were considering moving and like you, just the thought of packing alone was so overwhelming. Not being able to focus enough on details ect.
There's a gov program starting in May for health coverage for people who can not afford coverage even if they are working. Now you don't have to be on welfare to apply for a WHITE CARD. I don't have coverage right now and will be applying for this as well. It helps pay for prescriptions,therapy and other things. I'm not clear on the details yet but get in touch with HUMAN DEVELOPMENT....they can tell us what to do.
I don't know if you got your results about the cancer yet but I hope and pray you are cancer free. My heart goes out to you. I have been faced with being rejected by family and cruelty from them also. I guess family for some doesn't mean much anymore. My relationship is unstable and even with disabilitly,I don't know how the government possibly expects one to support themselves on the amount that I get each month. I've been told by people that I would be better off on welfare...something to think about.
I intended for this to help you know that your not alone and I know, that on top of the pain and all the other symptoms we face on a daily basis, the last thing we need is the financial burden.
I hope and pray that you get what you need...You'll be in my thoughts and prayers
I have been thinking of you and sorry i did not email you back sooner. You have some great advice and i hope this works out good for you. I will be thinking of you
HI DREAMCATCHER I'M SO SORRY FOR WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH.I UNDERSTAND SO DOES EVERYONE WHOSE GONE THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT PROCESS.MY STORY I A P PLIED JAN 2011 and was denied I applied for reconsideration .I WAS DENIED AGAIN.I HIRED AN ATTORNEY THE SUMMER OF 2013'I HAD ALL MY DOCTORS NOTES AND THE DIAGNOSIS OF FIBRO JAN 2011 or 2012'THE HEARING WAS JUNE 19 2013' THE ATTORNEY THOUGHT IT WOULD HELP MY CASE TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST.AS DIDN'T ASK ME TO SEE A DR OR PSYCHOLOGIST.IT DID HELP.THE JUDGE AND THE ATTORNEY ASKED ME AND A WITNESS QUESTIONS.I ALSO AFFIDAVIDS FROM MY FRIEND/WORKPARTNER JOAN AND MY SUPERVISOR.A VOCATIONAL EXPERT TESTIFIED BY TELEPHONE. THE JUDGE SAID HE'D MAKE A DECISION IN 4 WEEKS I WAS APPROVED,IF YOU CAN HAVE YOUR DR DOCUMENT WHAT YOU CAN'T DO THAT WOULD HELP.MY DR ALSO SIGNED A PAPER STATING THAT I'M DISABLED. I LIVE IN A NICE PLACE CALLED HILLVIEW VILLAGE FOR THE ELDERLY/DISABLED.I TOLS HIM WHY I'M DISABLED HE WROTE IT ON THE FORM AND SIGNED IT.IF THERE'S ANYTHING I CAN DO OR YOU NEED TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS LET ME KNOW YOU'RE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Thank you so much for writing and telling me your difficult journey to get disability. I'm happy you hung in there and got an attorney to help you. I can see your hard work too contributed to a good outcome. Unfortunately, in Canada it doesn't work like that...the process is similar, but no attorneys are involved or used here. Your basically on your own. My case is at the review stage...they have 90 days to return a reply in either regard and should it continue to be rejected, it is at that point I can appeal. I am presently in the system to get welfare, but they won't help me until I am down to less than $887. in my account. As well my case if presently being looked at by one of their doctor's and it will from that decision and if deemed severe which will determine what amount I would receive monthly. I sent a lot of research as well as my doctor sending all documents pertinent to my firbro as well as my cancer diagnosis last year. The fact that I remain depressed with all these events over the past 2 years is also outlined. It is now their decision. I have nothing to lose to continue the process and if need be to the appeal level. It isn't easy and you could be dying in the meantime, but they don't care. Thank you again for your very encouraging story and I really do appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I hope you are doing well and have better days than bad ones. I can't tell you how much it has meant to receive such support and caring from and all the amazing friends I have made through this site. Many blessings and love....Sue
Thank you for writing and sharing with me your experience and frustration with the system. It would be easier if we could hire a lawyer on our behalf! I have already sent all my documents in for the review process and as you know they have 90 days to respond. If the answer continues to be rejected I can then appeal. I myself wrote 6 pages documenting how Fibro affects me on a daily basis...my doctors sent everything from when the fibro started to specialists I saw and the fact that all of this has led to a deeper depression. As well, it was stated I am in therapy. I attached documentation I had found and researched online and took the advice of some of the wonderful women here. So it's the waiting game right now. It certainly helps to know I am not alone and so many of us have lots all our savings from the inability to work and the struggles that go along with that. Like they say you get by with a little help from your friends! :) It certainly isn't from family as I don't know why and many of the strong people on here have all said family just isn't what it used to be and I know in my case my expectations of this have led to many disappointments and depression. I'm sorry you are going through this too...I have received move compassion from strangers! Therapy is helping with that to let go and to release those expectations. SOOO here is the good news in all of this YES my cancer is in REMISSION! That was a huge relief! I know I have to be closely monitored for the next 3 years and it surely is daunting, but this is a wonderful beginning!!
You are so kind to write and offer your prayers and thoughts of support. I will pray for you too that your boyfriend finds a job and you keep your house. Yes, the thought of moving isn't fun for people like us...exhausting just to think about. I haven't been able to find anything yet that will accept my two small dogs as well I've been discriminated against because I am English...I hate Quebec! lol Just can't afford to move back to Ontario and cost of living there is too high for me. I pray also that you will get some form of government assistance...Please keep in touch and let me know what happens with your application for a white card. I haven't heard of it here in Quebec. Which Province are you from?
Keep well Carolyn and know too you are very much in my thoughts and prayers...Love and many blessings to you.
I hope you have been well! I was kind of wondering, but I do understand we all get busy. Yes, I had great advice which I did use when sending my request for review. Now crossing my fingers that it will be approved so I don't have to go through an appeal. Time will tell...Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and know I think of all of you often and honestly the support I have received here even non fibro related has been very heartwarming and appreciated to say the least! Sending you good wishes and many gentle hugs...Sue
Good to hear from you! Your so thoughtful and no I really didn't need the extra stress, but who does! I send my request for review on April 11th...now they have 90 days to respond and should the decision still be negative, it is then I can appeal. As we don't use legal help here in Canada, we are pretty much on our own. Before asking my doctor to fill out his part of the application, I asked him to read 6 type written pages detailing my symptoms and how they affect me daily as well as impacting my life with its limitations. As well as being depressed and being pushed further into depression after my cancer diagnosis. All medical documents and comments from specialists were included. So I am praying this will be enough. For now I'm in the system and waiting to be approved for Welfare. You have to having almost nothing in your account before they'll help you. Less than $800., but how the heck can you pay your bills after that? It's a scary time and I can only pray everything will turn out for the best. I sincerely hope all is going well for you and again it is so nice of you to stay in touch. You don't have to apologize for not responding in a while, I understand we are all dealing with life's challenges and daily life. I'm not on often, but I do think and care about of all my friends here on LWF. So it's an especially nice surprise to receive a message from time to time! :) Enjoy your spring! It's so nice to finally see the snow gone! lol Take good care too...hugs and love...Sue
Hi again. i've been away from the computer for a bit.Too tired.
CANCER FREE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! IT MUST BE SUCH A LOAD OFF YOUR MIND!!!
I live in New Brunswick.Quebec seems like another world altogether so I don't know if things work differently there or not. I'm glad to hear that you revised your application to include every bit of information possible. I can't wait to hear what comes of it.
Forgive me...i've been doing a lot of typing and have to sign off for now.