I've got Chronic Emphysema and what I've learned scares me to death. How do I get SSDI before I loose my health insurance?

A person with a disability can be fired even because of their disability. Whether its legal or not is determined later - after you are fired- when you file a complaint with the EEOC.

Sadly, just because these laws are in place doesn't mean employers follow them.

As a commercial diver I can't get enough rest, there dispatch is set up in a very strange way. As a matter a fact, these people have all the answers and are sharp. I feel like I am being pushed out be cause I I am told I must conform to rules on pick up and Delivery that the others get a pass on. Three differant pickup times and thee delivery time.
The forms for pickup, first telephone call "dispatch", Second onboard computer, "Qualcom", Third, handwritten on bills. So which one to go by. Been told all three,
and they do not match with same time. I get the call at home, "woke up out of my ten hour break, the two hours later over the Qualcom and smartphone. This I keep off to avoid being re woke, and starting to work in a hour our to.
In short, I run a big rig alniight long on less than four hours sleep, while the company boast about a good saftey record. This company has a good saftey record. I can not keep this up and take care of my health too. Must start more research.

Jeanne is right. Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is on your side to protect you if you have a disability and are able to work. Your job MUST attempt to make accommodations, within reason, to help you with your disability. Again, the doctor must fill out some forms that your Human Resource Dept. should have. I forgot about that, Jeanne. Blessings

You can start the process of SSDI online at www.ssa.gov You NEED to make sure you have plenty of documentation by your doctor(s) or that your doctors(s) have plenty of documentation. SSA will require it. I don't know if you have short-term disability or not, at work. I know SSDI asks how long you have been off work, at least they did for me in 2003. I was on Short -term disability, at my job, during the 6 months waiting period for my SSDI to start. It will take at least SIX months before you even get any benefits as in pay. It takes TWO years (24 months) to get medicare for your disability. You may have to see what your state has to offer in the way of some sort of insurance to pay for your meds and/or doctor visits. I got my SSDI without an attorney. You may want to check into an attorney. You don't have to pay them until you start getting your SSDI. Also, you can go to a Social Security building and they can help you file for SSDI. Blessings

What do you mean that "Work has began to push me out"? What are they doing? What cost are they worried about? I could be wrong, but if you can perform the work, I thought it was illegal to fire you because of a disability. Can you still do the work?

It is also my understanding (just from a relative who works for Disability Services) that as long as you can do any work you are not eligible for disability services.

How long will it be before you are on Medicare.

I hope that being scared can serve the useful purpose of inspiring you to quite smoking, to exercise as prescribed by the doctor and to protect your health as long as you can.

Good luck to you.