Hi CeeBee,
Let me try to help you here. When I say that I collected STATE temporary benefits: NJ has this program (its the same concept of unemployment insurance) that you pay into (your medicare tax) that if you are going to be disabled and your Dr. takes you out of work, you can collect for 6 months...Ask your Dr. for the paperwork...Even though you are not working anymore, you just might be able to collect it retroactive from when you were out. you paid into this tax, its your money, and if you are out with a Drs. note, you are entitled to collect these monies. so get the paperwork, notify them that after being out for so long the co. fired you and that you can't collect unemployment because you were still out on disability, you should be able to collect your temporary didability money. secondly, I was also fired when I was STILL OUT on disability, and I DID collect unemployment and I am also in NJ, so If you can't collect the state temporary monies (I don't know why you wouldn't be able too) appeal the unemployments decision and explain it to them. As far as ssd, EVERYONE IS DENIED THE 1ST TIME, thats why I filed early in my disability, because it takes about a year, and at least 1 appeal before approval. I was approved in 4 months, which is like unheard of! But I also had records about my disability going back for 25 years at that time, so thats probably why it was so fast. Also, get a ss lawyer...they do NOT charge you unless you are APPROVED, so you have nothing to loose there. Look in the yellow pages for one. if you have any questions that I can help you with, feel free to pm me! Anglwink