Events that Led to My Experiencing Financial Insecurity and How I Found Freedom from Financial Insecurity
In my experience, I grew up with an invisible disability. I was subsequently unaware of the impact that the invisible disability was having on my financial security. For many years I had the experience of getting and losing jobs, both non-professional and professional jobs.
Although I Diligently Applied Myself
Although I diligently applied myself academically (obtaining both my undergraduate and my graduate degree), had a strong work ethic and lived within my means (frugally and with prudence) I had and experienced ongoing financial insecurity.
I applied for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance in Florida 2 times, but because I was making more than $500 a month, my 2 applications were denied.
To make a Long Story Shorter
While working as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the department of voc rehab in Florida, I was made a client of the department of voc rehab there in Florida. I went through the process as a client, but my job placement was unsuccessful. Several years later, I was recruited by an insurance company in North Carolina, to work as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in workers compensation. Four months later after moving to North Carolina and starting the job, I was told that the insurance company no longer needed my services and I was terminated.
Determined to Be Unemployable and My 3rd Application for SSDI Approved
After being terminated, I filled out my 3rd application for SSDI and applied for services with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation here in North Carolina. After completing the evaluation process with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, it was determined that I was unemployable. Shortly after being determined to be unemployable, my 3rd application with the Social Security Administration, my 3rd application was approved.
How I Stopped Feeling Financially Insecure
After my 3rd application was approved, to begin receving SSDI, I saw a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I determined to establish a way that would set me free from the burden of financial insecurity. The financial insecurity that I had experienced for nearly 30 years of my adult life. In January 1999 I began receiving SSDI.
Solution to No Longer Experiencing Financial Insecurity
Based on a budget that I saw my Mom had set up for herself, I decided to adapt her system and set up a budget for myself. In January 1999, I established that budget for myself.
A Strategy to Remove the Burden of Financial Insecurity
In July of 2012, I wrote an article to share what helped me to stop living in financial insecurity. The article: How to Manage Money while Living on SSDI — Social Security Disability Insurance. In the event that you are living on a monthly SSDI check and are feeling financially insecure, I would invite you to read what helped me to stop feeling financially insecure.
A link to the article that helped me to stop experiencing financially insecure
How to Manage Money while Living on SSDI — Social Security Disability Insurance
You are Not Alone
As you read through the article and questions come to mind, please send those questions to me. All questions are good questions and welcomed. You may send questions or comments to me by seeing below this article. Leave your question in the comment section. Thank you.
More About my Process and Journey
To read more about my process and my journey, you may click on this link: My About Page
You have my permission to share my articles and or video presentations with anyone you believe could benefit, however, I maintain ownership of the intellectual property AND my articles, video presentations and eBooks are not to be considered OPEN SOURCE. Please also provide a link back to Second Chance to Live. In the event that you have questions, please send those questions to me. All questions are good questions. I look forward to hearing from you. More Information: Copyright 2007 -2017.
Glen says
I got on SSDI and worked making over $500 a month and got cut off. Then I stopped working and got back on. Then I got another job making over 500. But I got back on. The third time I got back on but was told if I ever go over that amount I would be cut off forever.
I too live in Florida.In Florida.
I think the amount you get should be $550 a month cause that’s what I get.
Second Chance to Live says
Hi Glen,
I think $500 a month cut off is absurd.Who can live on $500 a month with all the housing, food, and car insurance, etc. expenses, unless one is living under a bridge. Zeesk!!!
Trial work periods, making more than $600 a month for a 9-month period over a 60 month period — does not have to be consecutive months, also puts one in jeopardy of losing SSDI. Again, unrealistic and antiquated indeed. Again, Zeesk!!!
Glad I am living frugally.
Have a great weekend my friend.
Craig