I had back surgery in June. My employer provides short term disability, but it only lasts 6 months. I just came back from the Dr. today and was told that I would be out of work at least 3 more months. Can anyone tell me what I can do for income when the short term disability runs out? I have bills to pay and have no supplemental insurance.

You can contact your local Social Security Administration office and see if you qualifly for SSDI payments.

You may qualify for Unemployment. But the best bet would be to cantact your Social Security Office or file a claim on line. You may be able to get this retro. I do believe you could not earn more than $800.00 for this. But just call to make sure.

The criteria for unemployment is that you are able and willing to work and actively job searching. If you are not released to work by your doctor, you will not be able to get UI benefits.

I have'nt been told that this will last 12 months or more, which is the criteria for SSDI. They won't pay any short term disability. Short term is only 6 months(and also comes out to $4.25 per hour for the maximum). What the heck are people supposed to do between the 6th month and 12th?

I don't mean this to sound harsh, but some of the answers are:

Plan ahead. Enroll in the employer-sponsored long-term disability program or purchase long-term disability insurance coverage on your own. Have savings. You can't expect government to pony up in every situation.