Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

Hi Lori,

I applied for temporary incapacity benefit while I recover but was told that I am not entitled to any financial help because i have not paid enough national insurance contributions to qualify...which is a bit rubbish, so basically i have been told just to get on with it..and am getting poorer and poorer each day and i am still physically unable to work. I have been signed off until october, and just dont know what i am going to do for money! i have no doubt in your position that you will qualify for some financial help though...hope that helps! x

Hi AlexandraK,

I love google, for SO many reasons. I was able to find a government site that has these organizations listed as "professionals" who could help (I would just call 'em up and ask - don't know which one is closer to where you are):

Disability Determination Services
3310 North 19th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85015-5701
Professional Relations Officer
602-264-2644

Disability Determination Services
5441 East 22nd Street, Suite 135
Tucson, AZ 85711
Professional Relations Officer
520-790-2580

Or, take a look at this link and see if there's anything helpful: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs...

I hear you - I am very active, and when the doctor told me several weeks/months to recover, I though , "Bah! I'll be good as new in no time." I also am about 6 weeks post PE, and had to run to catch the bus the other day in the morning ... I wheezed all day long. Not the "good as new" I was expecting.

Anyway - good luck with this (I love researching this stuff - I think I missed my calling as a labor attorney, or a teamster, or something!).

I was raised by a single mom who worked so hard to make ends meet, so I know you must be totally stressed. Take it easy, and do take care.

Dear loveheart and khurney,
thanks so much for your replies.... I worked for the last 17 years in a salaried position and so I have the money in social security, but would only do it if I felt that I were disabled long term from this ordeal. I guess the single mom in me is panicking because I'm self employed right now....no $ other than my small savings.

Khurney, I worked at Stanford U in Palo Alto and lived in SanFrancisco almost 12 years ago. Loved it! I walked and rode my bike everywhere and commuted by Caltrain to Palo Alto. thanks once again for your great research... are personalities are very similar, but I haven't had the energy to look up things like I would normally.

I'm having a tough day today (lots of nausea from the iron tablets)and increased anxiety about "if" I'm really going to get better??! but will check these sites out tonight or tomorrow. Thanks again to all of you for your great suggestions and advice. sending you hugs from Scottsdale, AZ.... lori