Seriously considering retiring on disability.

I know nothing but wanted to send you a hug!

Is working part time possible in your position?

I'm so sorry, Donna. With my relative, she first used all her sick leave and vacation pay, then applied for family medical leave at full pay, then took extended leave at no pay while applying for disability. While on leave she kept all her benefits including health insurance which was essential to her cancer treatment. An attorney helped us file the paperwork. Her cancer history (second occurrence of breast cancer) and diagnosis (stage 4 metastatic) were key. She was approved on first application.

I would definitely get an attorney, so you can speed up the process.

If something like this is possible, consider it.
Given your diagnosis, I'm assuming this might come under the disability categories that get expedited and approved pretty quickly. I believe there is a list of those.
BUT, I THINK there is a six-month time from diagnosis, or some date, before you can get the first payment.*

How much sick leave do you have? Can you use that, especially because of the health insurance coverage, until you start getting disability payments.

Disability does not pay a lot of money. It isn't going to be easy, but might be the best option for you.

* I've read some about this issue on the Esophageal Cancer sites. It doesn't apply to us (which is why I haven't paid a great deal of attention to the details), because my husband had just retired before he was diagnosed, and one reason I'm still teaching is because of the health insurance, and the fact that I have hundreds of sick days I can use if I need to stay home with him.

I know it's hard for you to even consider retirement. Your students have always been a huge priority for you. I wish all teachers were as committed to their jobs and students.

Start with HR, but also consider an attorney. Also, contact your teacher's union to see what is available to you and what they can help with.

You are going through so much. You deserve to make yourself a priority. Hugs to you.

Sorry about your illness. Every place is different, but most work places require you to be out on short term, then you move to long term for 18-24 and if you are still disabled after that, then you would go on permanent disability. Of course the doctors have to diagnose you as being 100% disabled. Not all companies offer this type of insurance.  If you go the Social Security route, then you must have been 100% disabled for 6 months without work before you would qualify.  If your doctors will confirm you are 100% disabled, you would not need an attorney to get SSDI. Bless your heart and hope you can work this out.

Sent pm

It so varies from state to state. Start with your HR. Do you have a state pension??

What about working 1/2 days?? Or taking an FMLA leave? Do you have sick days you can use or by chance does your district have a sick bank? (we have one....teachers can pull up to 120 days out of it and get paid while they are out..some stipulations but for the most case, everyone has been granted them.)

Do what is best for you. I think of you often. But start with HR, your union(if you have one) and/or state pension office.

I'm sorry the chemo has been so rough on you. I don't have any advice, but wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. I hope the road gets easier.

I just wanted to send you huge (((( hugs ))))!!!     I think of you and pray for you very often. I am so sorry the chemo is so difficult, and I pray you'll be able to take leave somehow! 

Do you have disability insurance through your district? It would probably be much quicker and easier to get that than to apply for SSI disability. Call HR tomorrow and find out what your options are.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this!

You can apply for SSDI yourself online. They will contact your doctors for information needed. You may want to talk to your doctors before you apply so they'll be ready to fill out the forms. You will probably get more questionnaires to answer too. I typed my answers out for the 2 I had to answer - a total of 11 pages. Rate everything on a scale of 1 - 10, make everything personal, give a lot of examples from your life. I heard all kinds of horror stories about it taking a year to get an answer and that everyone was turned down the first time. I started the process in late August, filled out the questionnaires in October, got a letter to call for more information in late November. I called and spoke to someone for about 30 minutes in early December, then got a letter saying I was approved the week after Christmas. No attorney involved, so I didn't have to pay for that. I was shocked at how quickly it went for me. 
You don't have to wait to apply, on the SSA website it says to apply as soon as you become disabled. Good luck with whatever you decide. 

Do it.  If you are eligible for it and approved for it then you obviously need to do it.

I know nothing about the topic to offer you any advice, but I can offer warm thoughts and hopes that things go as well as possible for you.