Vocational Rehabilitation

Hey all.

Those of you who are in, or have done it, what are your experiences with Voc Rehab? What kind of services do they provide?

I would like to go through the process and have poked my head in there before. Ultimately, I'd like to start my own business and am told it's possible through Voc Rehab but the rules are stricter.

My current plan is to go back to school. Should I be in Voc Rehab before I start or toward the end? My fear is that Soc Sec will see I'm in school and assume I can work because of it. Would being in Voc Rehab keep Soc Sec off my back?

Hi exiled

Voc Rehab is part of my rehabilitation program. This is what I have experienced. I've been in it for some time and it isn't that bad. You will need to make sure you get a copy of your files from your psych doc that proves your disability. Then they will have a case worker interview you and ask several questions. Then they will ask you what you want to do, whether it is go back to school or work.

Like you, I am interested in going back to school, so I told them school. Then they made me take an IQ test and an aptitude test on the computer to find out if I had any learning disabilities and what I'd be interested in. It's not hard, don't worry. It's basic, takes about an hour, they leave alone in a room so there isn't much pressure etc etc.

The good thing is that they will assist financially to go back to school, helps with buying gas, supplies, other things. It's a good program, they even help me pay for my psych doc visits, then another rehab program too.

I can't answer about the Soc Sec though. Voc Rehab instructed me to try to get on SSDI and I can't even get a lawyer to take my case. Since I have no physical disability they all say I can't win it.

I hope that helps you out some.

Thanks Zyphyr.

I saw in another post that you were in Voc Rehab which is why I thought about asking.

You don't technically have to have a lawyer to get on disability. Although, if they're saying that after reviewing your case the chances are slim you'd be approved. If they're just saying that since it's mental and not physical you won't be approved, though, they're wrong. It depends on how severely it effects the prospects of gaining, and keeping employment. In any case, it doesn't hurt anything to apply if they're telling you to in Voc Rehab.

Thanks for the advice

I may try for it then, because all the lawyers have told me is that they don't take cases they feel they can't 100% win. So who knows, maybe you are right. I'll just sign up on my own. I wish you luck with Voc Rehab!