Expert: Kyla Kelim - 9/9/2008

Question
I quit my job about 9 months ago because my fiance was being transferred out of state. I did not find employment after that. I filed for unemployment once we returned to Missouri and was denied because I did not get fired. I am a 50 yr old male who has worked in labor and maintenance industry all of my life. I had back surgery about 6 yrs ago and it did help temporarily. Now I am currently living with my fiance and almost unable to get around on a daily basis. I am uninsured and have recently filed for medicaid but have not gotten a response. I can't even walk around the block. I am in severe pain on a daily basis. Can I file for disability even though I am not currently employed? How do I go about this. I need help and do not know where to turn.

Answer
Michael, you apply for disability when you can't work, not while you have a job.  I would advise you to immediately file with social security.  You can go to www.ssa.gov and apply online to protect your application date.  Since there is a five month period from the date of disability, if you have been disabled more than 5 months, it will go back to the date of application.  

I hope this helps,

Kyla Kelim