Getting help after job loss

Getting help after job loss
Marcella Durand. Momentum. New York: Spring 2010. Vol. 3, Edisi 2; pg. 24, 3 pgs
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If MS symptoms played the largest role in job loss, the road forks for unemployed people with MS. They must decide whether to go forward with a job search and unemployment benefits-or to apply for Social Security disability benefits. [...] she contacted her Society chapter, her state's vocational rehabilitation program, her local One-Stop Career Center, and her local Independent Living Center.
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Copyright National Multiple Sclerosis Society Spring 2010
[Headnote]
Staying Up m Down Times


Navigating federal and state employment programs after losing a job can be a tricky business. Don't go it cold. MS Navigators can help you decide the whats, whos and hows of applying for government help after a job loss. To start, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit nationalMSsociety.org.
A fork in the road
"The first thing we do is figure out whether someone lost their job because of their MS or because of a downsizing. The resources can differ," said Janis Pluss, a director at the Society s Information Resource Center.
If MS symptoms played the largest role in job loss, the road forks for unemployed people with MS. They must decide whether to go forward with a job search and unemployment benefits-or to apply for Social Security disability benefits. They can't do both. Applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is basically declaring that you are no longer able to work because of MS symptoms.
"People can be pretty good self-assessors on whether MS will affect their ability to find new work," Pluss said. Accommodations can help, as well as symptom management. The Job Accommodation Network (jan.wvu.edu, 800-526-7234) and the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers (Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, adata.org, 800-949-4232) are good resources. Also, some careers simply work better than others.
Sandy Lahmann tried a few careers before she found her current one as an information specialist for the DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center. "I just could not do the work," said Lahmann of her previous job as a special education teacher. "I had a 60-hour-a-week schedule-and I had severe fatigue." So she switched to administrative work. But she was let go, partly, she feels, because of the cost of her health insurance. She looked for help-in more than one place.
"I didn't count on one organization," said Lahmann. Instead, she contacted her Society chapter, her state's vocational rehabilitation program, her local One-Stop Career Center, and her local Independent Living Center. "I kept talking to people and something eventually pulled together."
Where to begin
For people with MS who decide to work, a state vocational rehabilitation (voc rehab) program can be a good resource.
Voc rehab programs may offer training in new skills, job counseling and resume workshops. However, the range of services varies greatly from state to state, and they are sometimes prioritized in order of severity of disability. An MS Navigator(TM) will be able to direct you to your state's voc rehab office and brief you on what to expect.
The New York State program may be one of the nation's best. Michael Andrews's voc rehab office in New York City sent him to the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, an affiliate of New York University's Medical Center. "I wanted to re-enter the workforce. I didn't want to sit around doing nothing," he said. At the Institute, he was able to take classes in computer programs and time management, and to find volunteer opportunities, including one at the New York City Chapter. "When I volunteered, it made me feel I could work," he said. Eventually, he found a job through a program called Schedule A, where people with disabilities are considered for federal employment. (Visitopm.gov/disability/peoplewithdisabilities.asp for more information.)
But even if your state's voc rehab program doesn't offer everything you need, they may be able to direct you to outside resources that do. Don't write them off.
One-stop job shopping
One-Stop Career Centers aim to be just that: one place for a mix of government employment services. "Regardless of disability, anyone can use them-they are open to everyone, unlike voc rehab programs," said Steve Nissen, senior director of Employment and Community Programs at the Society s National Capital Chapter.
Help applying for unemployment benefits is just one service offered at the Centers. Some may have a Disability Program Navigator on staff, who can provide services similar to voc rehab programs. "Ask around to find out who the good counselors are," recommended Lahmann. "I happened to find a counselor who had MS, so I transferred to him. If you're not getting what you want from your current counselor, ask for a transfer." Visit servicelocator.org to find out where Centers are located and what they offer. Disability.gov can also help with an overview of what Disability Program Navigators do as well as links to additional government resources.
The road to benefits
Lahmann took a detour along the road to employment. "After I lost my job I needed money somewhere, so I applied for social security benefits," she said. "But you have to prove you can't work and you need resources while you wait for approval." She made the decision to continue seeking a position that would suit her circumstances and her choice paid off.
For others, SSDI or SSI are the best options. But you should know that many first-time applicants are rejected. Approval can take from six months to two years, depending on whether you have to appeal. The better your application, the better your chances of success - and the Society can help. Visit nationalmssociety.org/SSDI and ask an MS Navigator what steps to take next. You'll also have to think about health coverage during the wait. Medicare begins 24 months after SSDI financial benefits begin. Consider COBRA coverage, especially if you lost your job between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. You may be eligible for a subsidy. (Qualifying dates may change; check familiesusa.org/issues/private-insurance/understanding-cobra-premium.html, or call the Employee Benefits Security Administration at 866444-3272). If you lost your job because of disability, you may also be eligible for an extension of COBRA benefits up to 29 months or longer-but be warned that your health plan can then increase your premium by another 50%.
Once your application is accepted, Nissen recommends seeing a WIPA coordinator (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance) about work incentives that won't jeopardize benefits. "They can help people with MS determine how much they can earn without losing what they've worked so long and hard for."
Work incentives and employment supports vary between SSDI and SSI. To learn what might work for you, visit www.ssa.gov/work/wipafactslieet.html. Click on "service provider directory" on the left side of the page to find a WIPA coordinator in your area.
Whatever road you choose, remember that access to all these government programs and resources begins with a simple phone call.
[Sidebar]
The Society's MS Navigators(TM) can be your entry point to federal and state employment programs


[Afiliasi Pengarang]
Marcella Durand is an associate editor at Momentum.



Pengindeksan (detil dokumen)
Subjek: Vocational rehabilitation, Social security, Government subsidies, Society, Unemployment benefits, Disability insurance

Pengarang: Marcella Durand

Afiliasi Pengarang: Marcella Durand is an associate editor at Momentum.
Jenis dokumen: Cover Story
Fitur dokumen: Photographs
Bagian: COVER STORY: Staying Up in Down Times
Judul publikasi: Momentum. New York: Spring 2010. Vol. 3, Edisi 2; pg. 24, 3 pgs

Jenis sumber: Periodical
ISSN: 19403410
ID dokumen ProQuest: 1969919041
Penghitungan Kata Teks 1085
URL Dokumen: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb/jstor?did=1969919041&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=68516&RQT=309&VName=PQD