[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I'm happy to say that I am RETIRED now. I completed 20 years of federal civil service 2 years ago, and it was about then that my knees started giving me problems again. I had total joint replacement in '07 and '08, and now they're telling me that I need to have both kneecaps replaced, too.

So I got to thinking, WHY am I killing myself and putting my body through so much pain?? I already have 100% disability compensation from the military, with full benefits, and I could survive nicely on just that. So, I put in for FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) retirement with 20 years' service, and put in my application for Social Security Disability (a requirement for FERS disability retirement). Surprisingly, I got SSDI right away, on my first application, and that started within a couple of months!!! This was a HUGE surprise, because we've all heard how hard it is to get that, and most folks have to apply a LOT of times, before it's granted. Being a FERS retiree, I kept my federal health insurance for my wife and myself, and this past July1, I started getting additional healthcare bennies with Medicare coverage (Medicare requires a 24 month wait, from the time you receive your first SSDI check, before your Medicare becomes effective). This was always important to me, as I don't want to have to rely on the military/VA health care systems, and I can go to any doctor I want with very little to no copays. This is HELLA important, because when a person retires, healthcare is a huge financial wildcard. If your health is bad and your insurance is not good, or limited, you can really get yourself into a financial hole VERY QUICKLY.......and that can totally f*ck up an otherwise successful retirement.

So, right now, I'm in a very good, stable position to enjoy my retirement, and the wife and I have been doing just that. I am so grateful that, at this time, I have the extra time to spend with my mother, who won't be here with us for very much longer. She's 94, has dementia is is in a local group home. I am blessed and not a day goes by that I don't thank the good Lord for all of my many blessings.

~Theo~

Congrats, Theo!