Cant work?

Where are you located? If you are in the U.S., like I am, you may be able to get state short-term disability immediately, then segue into Social Security disability. This is what I did, here in California. I suppose the short-term disability might vary from state to state. One thing: don't assume anything. With the Internet, you have lots of information through a Google search. I did have an added benefit through my employment: opting into long-term disability insurance, which supplemented my Social Security disability.

I agree with Jackie, if you have short and/or long term disability with work, take it.  Then work on getting SSA benefits.  Trying to get government disability is like pulling teeth (at least in New Mexico).  You may need a lawyer.  

The next thing you do is make a budget and figure out your output.  If you are lucky for will have family that can help with paying the bills.  Cut out all unnecessary things.  Buy food in bulk and eat lower on the food chain.  Buy clothes, if you need them, from thrift stores.  Also, call any businesses you owe and see if they will lower your rates or forgive them outright.  Your student loans can be forgiven if a doctor will say you are disabled.  There are others like this as well.  If you need too, pull out the money from your 401K.  If you submit a statement from your doctor saying you are disabled, you can get your money without paying a fine for early withdrawl.  You can also so bankruptcy.

I realize that all this is depressing as hell, I am going through the same thing you are.  I would suggest having a good cry for a day or so and then take a little of your energy each day and pick away at your financial situation until you are living within your means.

Oh, also try United Way.  They often have programs to help as well.

Take care, and I'll be thinking of you.

Hi Melissa,  so sorry you're going through this.  My husband was forced to quit working in 1989 when he was just barely 32.  Up to that point, he kept pushing himself and pushing himself to go to work, and would even fall down onto the floor while trying to get ready for work.  It's a miracle that he didn't get killed on his way to work since he was so weak and disoriented!  But after falling down enough times due to extreme weakness etc. he finally became completely and totally bedridden to where he couldn't even get to the bathroom without falling.  We were forced into bankruptcy, lost our only home while our two children were very young, and had to move in with a friend for a few years, before the disability finally came through.  During those two years, we had to live on welfare and food stamps, and could barely make the car payments.  I also worked a part time job for a while, but finally quit since my husband was completely bedridden and needed me to take care of him.  If it weren't for our friend (who lived with us when he needed help) we probably would have had to live with my husband's parents - which I don't think would have gone too well - but at least it would have shown them how sick their son truly was.  We couldn't get any decent medical care until seven years later when my husband went into very severe congestive heart failure and almost got a heart transplant, because up until then, they had no idea how to help him, and didn't think that ME/CFS was even real, not to mention the Fibromyalgia.  Hopefully since you've been a pharm tech. for 24 years, you can get some sort of disability benefits from them.  But apply as soon as possible for any disabiity benefits you can, because like you said, it takes a long time.  Good luck to you, and I hope you get better soon.

Dear Melissa

That's a very good question indeed, and I am sure depends on what country you are in. 

Im a small business owner, myself and I am now thinking of shutting up shop. The hardest thing for me in the UK will be advising the tax office, companies house that I am too ill to continue and no doubt in time the benefits agency on the reason. especally as I run an employment business.  Joy!!!

Im still undiagnosed but ever day is a battle for health and to keep working as much as I can. no doubt when the time comes it will be another unwelcomed battle.  

I will at least complete my financial obligations to my suppliers and also the tax man, afterall if I havent got my health at least I still have my honour.