Where do I go? Who do I tell I need help? Who will help?

Question

October 10th, 2007

Good evening my name is Tracy and I have recently been involved in an accident that has caused me to be out of work since April of this year. I have recently had ACL arthroscopy on my right knee and may be looking forward to yet another on my left knee. The recovery time is up to 8 months. At this rate with no income I will be another number that stands in line at a homeless shelter by the time I reach a healing plateau. These injuries do not include the fact that I have 3 screws in my left femoral neck and in addition my back has it's problems too. To include deteriorating ,and bulging discs and I am sure some nerve damage that has not yet been determined as of yet.
I truly intend to eventually find employment that my injuries will not be an issue until then I am at a loss of where to turn for assistance, seriously I have no clue of where to turn at the present. Granted I have truly wonderful friends. But lets face it with the economy the way it is most of them are barely making ends meet themselves. I can’t expect them to feed me, pay my rent, clothe me or provide me with personal products etc for another 4-6 months..
I have been advised to apply for S.S. Disability. Is this a possibility and how long will it take? I know this much. Much longer than I will be able to stay afloat before it would be approved if it even would. I have my reservations about applying and one of them I guess is pride. I am only 35 and feel, kind of crappy even thinking about it. But I realize that it’s time to suck it up and get moving on it before I’m in an even worse scenario.
I have managed to not allow this depression, anxiety, frustration, insomnia and fear completely deplete my spirit since April. I am committed to surviving this bump in the road but I am not sure how much longer I can stay mentally glued together.
So if any one out there has been in a similar situation, have had friends who have made it through it or works somewhere that could possibly help. I would truly appreciate the advice or direction..

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Answer 1

here are some suggestions: by calling IE; united way you can get the tel.#s to the following programs. first thing first and also where you live. apply for food stamp, emergency assistance for help with the rent at AFS .energy assistance for electricity through the community action program in your area and also rental assistance plus they may be able to assign you a case manager who would be helpful to coordinate all the services you are receiving.. then apply for IE; in Oregon OTAP helps with tel. assistance. apply for disability but it takes years but it helps a lot to do this through a lawyer, many lawyers won't ask for money and wait till you get your first huge check which is pro-rated. you also can receive a little general cash assistance through SS DISABILITY office. churches re good source for food and many other resources. you are welcome to be in touch with me since there is a lot of run around when you call for information! good luck. peace

Answer 2

Sorry to hear. Australia is different from other countries, we have benefits from organisations such as Centrelink and are able to get workers compensation.

I agree with the comment on being a great typist. Maybe you should consider an indoor office position typing correspondence, answering phones, and in general has less physical work than the average job in the street. To do this you usually have to do a course in typing. We have TAFE here is Aus, but it's probably different where you are.

Have you considered doing a training course while you're still recovering?Some people have been able to keep up with the pace of a training course whilst undergoing such things as pregnancy and other things, but it all depends on how you feel about it all.

If you cannot find an office job telemarketing is also a big business with big bucks. It is mentally stressful though, so you may want to keep this in mind.

If you understand technology, you may be able to find a job in the techno industry. It will most likely involve indoor activities and great new experiences (like pulling electronics apart). It's worth a try if you enjoy that sort of thing.

Answer 3

If you were working when the accident happened you should be able to collect unemployment insurance as well, and perhaps had a disability insurance through your employer. And your employer would be required to make reasonable accomodations to keep you employed. Were you fired as a result of the accident? Or were you not employed?
If you were fired, you may be able to sue your employer. If you weren't working, how did you pay your bills before the accident?

Answer 4

Social security disability is insurance meant for people in your circumstances so you should apply to see if you qualify. They will start paying benefits after you have been unable to work for six months. so you should act promptly to get the paper work done

Answer 5

say you're pretty good at typing, maybe you can get a job at the court and stuff they make pretty good money,

also can consider being journalist