My jurisdiction is: Michigan
In August, 2006, I accepted a position with a radio station in Newberry, Michigan. Their employment stipulation was that I work 30 hours a week as an independent contractor. Needing a job, I agreed. After suffering from Congestive Heart Failure for several years, I experienced Atrial Fibrillation in October, 2007. While I was in the hospital it was discovered that I had a defective heart valve. While I was recovering and preparing for surgery, my wife suffered a major heart attack. I underwent open heart surgery in January, 2008...meanwhile, my job was eliminated. Since I was technically an "independent contractor", I am ineligible for any workers' compensation or unemployment. I have no job and unpaid bills. I am 56 years old. I have been denied Social Security. According to my doctors, am sufficiently recovered to work. I cannot relocate. There are no jobs available in this economically depressed area. Do I qualify for any program? What can I do?
In August, 2006, I accepted a position with a radio station in Newberry, Michigan. Their employment stipulation was that I work 30 hours a week as an independent contractor. Needing a job, I agreed. After suffering from Congestive Heart Failure for several years, I experienced Atrial Fibrillation in October, 2007. While I was in the hospital it was discovered that I had a defective heart valve. While I was recovering and preparing for surgery, my wife suffered a major heart attack. I underwent open heart surgery in January, 2008...meanwhile, my job was eliminated. Since I was technically an "independent contractor", I am ineligible for any workers' compensation or unemployment. I have no job and unpaid bills. I am 56 years old. I have been denied Social Security. According to my doctors, am sufficiently recovered to work. I cannot relocate. There are no jobs available in this economically depressed area. Do I qualify for any program? What can I do?
