Waiting for disability is excruciatingly long for most, but when you're a single parent, the pressure to feed your children and pay the bills is even greater. You can't couch-hop like a single person, going from friend's house to friend's house while you're waiting to be approved for the much needed disability; you have to find a way to survive on your own accord, continuing to provide your kids the home and life they need. While there's no magic wand to make disability approval any quicker, there are things you can do right away to make your life a lot easier.
1. Follow Your Doctor's Orders
Although you may be tempted to work in any capacity when the bills start piling up, be careful of what you do. Aggravating your injury could mean more long-term complications, including unbearable pain. Listen to what your doctor tells you to do and don't miss a single appointment. You should also document everything that goes on with you, medically speaking, to fortify the supportive paperwork that moves your case forward.
2. Sell Any Luxury Items You Own
If you accumulated any expensive, but unnecessary items as a single, working parent, this may be a good time to sell them. While you may not have a yacht to put up for sale, you probably have clothing, art, collectibles or sporting equipment that could fetch quite a few dollars. List them online or ask friends and family if they are interested. Tell your kids (and yourself) the items will be replaced eventually, either when your disability is approved or if and when you're able to work again.
3. Refinance Your Home
Owning your own home should provide you with an opportunity to refinance. If your credit is in good standing, talk to your lender about refinancing or taking out a loan on the equity of the house. If you're renting an apartment, have you considered down-sizing, in order to lower your rent?
4. Rent A Room Or More Space In Your Home
Provided you and your children aren't put out in any way, think about turning the garage into a small apartment or finishing the basement and renting that out. So long as you and your kids are comfortable with a well-vetted tenant, renting out space could provide you with quick cash and on a steady basis.
5. Work, If You Can, And According To Disability Guidelines
Just because you're not physically able to do your old job doesn't mean you won't be able to do something else, perhaps under different physical circumstances. For example, if your leg was hurt and you now have trouble walking and standing, can you find a sit-down job? Can you work phones or computers for a company? Just ask your disability attorney before applying for any position to make sure the potential income doesn't exceed guidelines and you're not physically over-extending yourself with the work. If your physical activity contradicts your doctor's orders, you could jeopardize your entire case.
6. Apply For Other Types Of Benefits
Especially since you have a few mouths to feed, you may need to reach out to other organizations, both government and private, for a little help. Prioritize the help you need, beginning with food help, then persistently contact the other organizations that will support your efforts to take good care of yourself and your kids during this waiting period.
7. Work With A Disability Lawyer Who's Ready For Anything
Throughout your case, you're going to need the services of an experienced attorney. The more proficient your lawyer is, the faster they'll be able to push your paperwork through. Any I not dotted or T left uncrossed could mean all your paperwork is sent back to you or even denied outright. Work diligently with the attorney to get everything right the first time and, hopefully, get the help you need in less time.
Waiting for disability as a single parent may feel like torture, especially if you're not sure how you're going to keep the household together from week to week and month to month. Seek help from as many sources as you can and stay in close contact with a disability lawyer who will fight like a tiger for you, the same way you fight like a tiger for your kids. For more information, contact local disability attorney services.
