Working with disease

I’m starting a new job today. It’s a remote, part-time position that pays well, but it doesn’t offer any benefits.

I have Sjögren’s disease and stage 3a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). My Sjögren’s has become severe enough that I’m currently on disability, which, at this point, is the only way I can maintain the health insurance coverage I need to afford my medications.

I’m working with my local Department of Rehabilitation Services and a benefits planner, so I’ll be able to work while keeping my disability benefits. However, I’m struggling with the feeling that I’m being dishonest with my new employer.

When I interviewed, I told them I wanted to work at least 24 hours a week. That was before I met with my benefits planner, who explained that, in order to maintain my benefits, I need to limit my work to 15 hours a week or less. Now I’m wondering whether I should tell my employer about my situation or simply keep that information private.

My health can be unpredictable. I frequently feel like I have the flu, and I also have dietary restrictions because too much sodium makes me sick due to my kidney disease. Some days, I simply don’t have the energy or ability to do much.

For those of you who have gone back to work while receiving disability benefits, did you disclose your disability to your employer, or did you choose to keep that information private?

I’m especially hesitant because of what happened with my previous employer. I was ultimately fired because of my disability, and even have the confession on audio. They kept telling me they had to code me under a different department in order to retain me, which made me suspicious that they were receiving some kind of tax credit or other benefit because of my disability while paying me significantly less than my coworkers.

I really don’t want to go through something like that again. At the same time, I don’t want to feel like I’m hiding something from my new employer. I’d really appreciate hearing from others who have been in a similar situation—especially how you handled disclosure, work limitations, and returning to work while maintaining your benefits.