a friend of mine is on dialysis and works part-time. she recently came down with shingles which has caused debilitating pain. it was diagnosed late so the doctor thinks there is a chance she could have residual chronic pain. as things are now, she probably won't be able to work for a few weeks. if her pain becomes chronic she might not be able to work for months if not years.
l read the fmla (family and medical leave act) will protect her job for a certain period but that would be unpaid leave. what options might she have in regards to financial assistance? she has some assets. she is 70 so not sure if she could qualify for ssdi? she has medicare and i am assuming she could apply for medicaid. any advice would be greatly appreciated.