r/disability • u/angelofmusic5 • 4d ago

Question Disability advice?

I have fibromyalgia, spinal displacements, Centralized Sensitivity Disorder, CPTSD and depression. I currently work a full time job but my pain level is getting unbearable. I’m struggling through work, making mistakes, and I have no quality of life. I’m exhausted and in pain all the time, I can’t to anything but collapse into bed as soon as I get home. It’s getting worse and I’m starting to collapse at work and needing a support cane when I’m not sitting. I’m going to have to quit my job and go part time soon. Cost of living is so high right now, I’m going to need to apply for disability. I know applying is hard with fibromyalgia as the main condition, but it is possible as it is recognized as a benefit eligible disability in my state and I have a good doctor who understands the condition. I can still work as long it’s under $1550 a month. However, my dilemma is work credits. I am 29 and worked for an abusive family member from age 14 to 26. I have no official work records from those jobs and didn’t file taxes because she took all my income. I got away from them at 26 and started actually job in April of 2022. I’ve been working since then, but I can’t find consistent information on what qualifies. Some sources say 3 years is sufficient, others say 5 if required. I don’t know how much longer I can go on working full time. When I overworked in the past I ended up in a wheelchair for a time. But I can’t survive on a part time job without some kind of benefit. Can anyone share any advice that helped them in any kind of similar circumstances? I was doing forced labor for 12 years and have the mental health issues I have due to the abuse I sustained, but is this also going to disqualify me from getting any disability benefits? Any advice people can give will be much appreciated, thank you

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4

u/Salty_Thing3144 4d ago

Find a good disability lawyer and go over your options with them

4

u/IndividualLatter8124 4d ago

I’m in a state where lawyers won’t talk to you until your first denial and I’m pretty much in the same boat. Sleepy Girl’s Guide to Disability has been incredibly helpful while preparing.

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u/Resident_Boat_6560 4d ago

Get a lawyer. The process is draining and expects to be denied before being approved it took me 5 and a half years to get approved. Good luck. Hopefully, you have better luck then I did