Unable to work

[Melleond]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. I am a 23 year old female I was recently diagnosed with POTS and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue when I was in high school. Because of the fatigue and pain I have been unable to work. I have been relying on my family for all my financial needs and would very much like to be able to support myself, but it is really impossible for me to hold even a part-time job. I am currently having problems just doing everyday stuff around the house.

I don't really know what my options are. I have looked into applying for social security disability benefits, but have discovered that you have to have had a job where you paid social security taxes for a total of five years out of the past ten. Because I had these problems during high school, I haven't had a job at all. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much for any help!

[ethansmom]

Hi and welcome to the boards! There are many people here who will be able to give you some great advice on disability benefits

I just wanted to let you know that I can understand how you feel. I am a 22 yr. old female and I was also sick a lot during high school, but had sudden onset of POTS 3 years ago, after I had started college. I only worked full time for 2 years, and even that was tough because I was so tired all the time- I always took naps after work each day and wondered why nobody else seemed to have that problem!! Anyhow, I have tried working part time since I've gotten a little better, but it's stil hard and exhausting. I've been selling on e-Bay for the past 2 years and it brings in about $100-$300 per week depending on the season- not a full time income but it helps my boyfriend pay the bills and allows me to feel like I am contributing something.

There are a lot of careers that will allow you to work from home nowadays- my future plan is to finish school (which I also do from home on the web) and once I have my degree I am hoping to find something I can do either from home full time or outside the home part time- and hope that my health allows for at least that much.

There are options for all of us, so don't ever feel like you are stuck. Things have a way of looking up, and when they do you'll know there is hope

[danelle]

Hi, I'm so sorry you are having problems I am not sure but I think you may qualify for something called SSI-this is different than SSDI. I don't know all the ins and outs of it but check into it if you haven't already. I think you may qualify. It goes through the social security office as well. I think it is terrible that we as a supposedly "rich" nation can't help our own people. We are too busy hleping other nations when there are SOOOOO many americans that need help.

Try and keep your chin up((I know it it hard) and please keep us updated.

Hugs and prayers are being sent your way,

Danelle