Social security backlog a problem
For the disabled, the time between their first social security payment can be precarious. And in Kansas, the state with the worst backlog for disability claims in the country, it's a process that can last years. The wait for one woman took its toll. Enlarge video
Three questions with ... Debra Shirar
Debra Shirar talks about Social Security benefits.
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While waiting for his Social Security disability claim to be processed, Mark Reser's children went without Christmas.
Debra Shirar - a one-time homeowner - has whittled her belongings down to $200 worth of clothes, family photos and a few pieces of antique furniture. She moved in with a friend.
Glenda Endriss, who once managed apartment complexes in Lawrence for the elderly and disabled, depended on her roommate for housing and her family for help.
Like many Kansans, the wait for disability benefits for Reser, Shirar and Endriss is measured in years, not months.
Kansas tops the list as the worst state in the country for backlogs of Social Security disability claims. According to data collected by the American Association of People with Disabilities and Allsup Inc., Kansas has nearly 15,000 people waiting for some kind of decision. The number is equal to 26.7 percent of the state's beneficiaries.
Some use the state's general assistance program as a bridge, getting a few hundred dollars a month to cover rent and food. They also can receive some health insurance benefits.
Marilyn Harp, executive director of Kansas Legal Services, has seen the wait for a hearing go from 18 months to two years.
"You are in a terrible catch 22. You don't have any money, but if you work, then you're not disabled," Harp said.
The backlog also places a drain on state tax dollars as state services go toward helping those who are waiting for their disability claims to be accepted, said Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas.
Kevin Babbit, a Lawrence lawyer, tells his Social Security clients to prepare for a long wait before getting their first payment.
"It's devastating," he said. "Because, if you can imagine, the reason they are applying for benefits is because they can't work and they have no money."
The delay
According to Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, it takes an average of 71 days for a determination to be made on a person's disability. However, if the claim is denied in the first round - as the majority in the country are - the decision can be appealed and a hearing is set in front of an administrative law judge.
For Kansas cases, there are two hearing offices: Kansas City and Wichita. The wait for a hearing and subsequent decision in Kansas City is 628 days, nearly 21 months. In Wichita, the wait is 498 days, nearly 17 months.
Social Security Administration officials say the backlog is a combination of a lack of administrative law judges, an increased number of cases, a shift in the department's workload and Congress' continual under-funding of the department.
Judge Frank Cristaudo, SSA chief administrative law judge, says the agency knows the backlogs are a problem.
"We are not satisfied with how long it does take to issue a hearing decision, but it is based on the fact that we just don't have enough judges and staff to handle the receipts we have received over the last number of years," Cristaudo said.
Congress has marked $100 million more than what President George Bush has requested for the department this budget season.
If the money is approved, Cristaudo said more judges would be hired.
"It's hard to say how many would go to Kansas if we had the authority," Cristaudo said. "We would look at the numbers and try to balance this around the country, but Kansas is one of the priority areas."
On appeal
But Babbit points to another problem: the amount of cases that are denied in the first round and then appealed. Nationwide in 2005, more than 60 percent of disability claims were turned down on the first consideration. Of those that were denied, around 25 percent were eventually approved, according to data on the SSA Web site.
"There shouldn't be that many cases getting to that next level," Babbit said.
Under a contract with SSA, Kansas makes the first determination on a person's disability. If the state denies the claim, then the person can appeal it to the hearing office, which is overseen by SSA.
In Kansas, 68 percent of the claims in 2006 were allowed in the first stage, according to SSA data. Of the claims that were denied and went on to a hearing, 26.5 percent were approved.
Kansas had an accuracy rate that was greater than 95 percent in dealing with the initial claims.
"On the front end, we do really well," SRS spokeswoman Abbie Hodgson said.
Between the original denial and the hearing, Cristaudo said often the applicant's condition becomes worse or more medical evidence is gathered, making an approval more likely.
Social Security has a list of hundreds of aliments that automatically grant an applicant disability, such as blindness or mental retardation. But Cristaudo said it's a list that needs updating.
Harp, whose agency is under contract with the state to help clients through the disability process, acknowledges that the first ruling is a hard one to make.
"It's one of those programs where you have to hit all the rules. You have to get a yes in every box, or it is a no," she said.
Harp said another reason for the backlog is that those who apply for the state's general assistance program must also try for Social Security disability. While many of these people eventually get better and go back to work or retire, they are still in the system.
A timely yes
Not everyone has to wait years before getting their Social Security disability check.
Bob Harwood, Lawrence, said the process for him was surprisingly easy. It took eight months.
The former manager at CongAgra Foods was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago.
Although Harwood said he can "run, jump high and do somersaults," he tires easily, can't work for long periods, has trouble with his speech and has seen his cognitive abilities drop.
What helped his case, Harwood said, were the results of eight hours worth of testing at Kansas University Medical Center. He was participating in a research program and part of the study tested his cognitive functions. In one of the tests, Harwood failed a connect-the-dot puzzle under pressure.
He included the findings as part of the evidence to prove he could no longer work.
"I think the report slammed the door," he said.
Stuck in the backlog
Others, such as Endriss and Shirar, are still waiting.
When Endriss gets her hearing in October, it will be two years after she applied for disability. Meanwhile, she moved from Lawrence to Wellsville.
In May 2005, Endriss had brain surgery to help ease severe migraines. Since then, the 51-year-old woman has had three more surgeries on her shoulders, and will have another on her back.
Shortly after brain surgery, Endriss applied for Social Security disability when her doctor advised her to stop working.
"I can't work. They won't allow me to work," Endriss said.
After 40 years of working - often two or three jobs at a time - Shirar said it has been hard to ask for help. The 55-year-old has been a physical education teacher, prison guard, newspaper carrier and customer service representative.
After a combination of arm and back injuries with sleep apnea added in, Shirar applied for disability.
When a denial came in the first round, Shirar was told to expect a hearing in December 2008.
She is receiving general assistance and living with a friend rent-free, which helps her stay afloat in Lawrence.
"There is no way, with $144 cash assistance with $155 for food, there is no way, in Lawrence or any other town, I could survive," she said.
Jean Peterson, associate professor of social welfare at KU, said for most people it's a challenge to just take the step of applying for Social Security disability.
"The minute you make the decision, you really do give up hope that you'll ever be able to get better," she said. "And then, once you apply for it, basically, a lot of times you're treated like you're trying to put something over on someone."
Peterson said that in today's system, the cutoff for disability is far too black and white.
"Either you are disabled or you are not," Peterson said. "There is no room to be able to do things that are productive and contribute."
A weight lifted
At 45, Reser has a pacemaker and defibrillator in his heart. He suffers from blood clots and arthritis. For the former truck driver and construction worker, mowing the lawn is a challenge.
In his 28-month wait, Reser said a house bought on two incomes suddenly had to be paid for by one.
To get by, he borrowed money from family. Their teenage daughter started working so she could afford school clothes and activities. And Christmases were missed.
"Never in my whole life have I had to depend on anybody. I've always paid my bills," said Reser, who lives in Topeka. "Now, I am depending on my in-laws and my own mom and dad. Here I am 45 years old and having to ask for money."
As he waited, Reser said he received a letter from Social Security stating that if he showed proof of bankruptcy or foreclosure, his case could be fast tracked.
"You really got to be broke, living under a bridge or a box," Reser said.
After asking U.S. Representative Nancy Boyda's office for help, Reser said he received approval this month.
"There's a whole bunch of weight off my shoulders," he said.
Comments
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Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
This is also a big reason for the homeless situation not only in Lawrence, but the entire country. I was homeless for 16 months while waiting for my disability. Most people, especially those on the streets, will apply and possibly appeal once before giving up.Most do not really understand that a vast majority must appeal twice, where it eventually results in a hearing before an Administrative judge. Most applicants give up before that point.
~~Nationwide in 2005, more than 60 percent of disability claims were turned down on the first consideration. Of those that were denied, around 25 percent were eventually approved,~~
The main reason such a small percentile is approved is because most give up before that point. If you give up, or fail to jump through all the hoops required, your case will be closed and you will have to start again. These hoops include undergoing a battery of test and inspections by doctors and psychiatrist that actually have a profession based around disability cases. I eventually found out that the SSA will actually pay these "professionals" special bonuses for every report they issue that claims that the applicant is not disabled.
It took me 3 years to go from my original application to the hearing. After the hearing, it took another 6 months before I actually got a positive decision from this judge. It then took another 2 months before I got to see any actual benefits.This is only one part of the problem. You may think that this delay is so that the government can get out of paying you any money for as long as possible. What many may not know is that when you are approved, you are given back payments going back all the way to the date of your first application. This typically results in a large, one time lump sum awarded. Of which your disability lawyer will take 30%, which can be a bill of $3000 or more.
Then, you are given $600-630 dollars a month to live off of. This means that you will still need to be enrolled in welfare, foodstamps, HUD housing and other programs in order to cover the necessities of living. I personally save $381 a month off of my rent, $14 off my phone bill and another $40 a month in food stamps. Even with all of that, it is still a chore to properly budget your money in order to cover all the other expenses that you don't get assistance. With summer power bills running $100, summer gas bills of $20 and winter gas prices of nearly $100, you will have to carefully budget in order to survive. If I were still a smoker like I used to be, I would give up my Internet, which is the only real "luxury" I can afford. The entire system is flawed. Meanwhile, there are people still on the streets that would qualify, and if they had the money would get a place, but have given up due to the process.
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Meanwhile you are waiting for necessary medical treatment because Medi-KAN (State version of intermediate Medicaid) won't cover a majority of necessary medical prescriptions and procedures. Oftentimes this is penny wise and pound foolish.
For example, I suffer from migraines. For those that don't know what one is, imagine and alien creature hatching inside of your head and burrowing out through your eyes. Over the counter pain relievers do absolutely nothing for it. Now have that pain last from 24 hours to 4 days(or more). That is a mild migraine. Severe migraines can result in hallucinations and in some extreme cases, seizures, and suicide attempts (because of the pain). Now. There is a medication that has been known to eliminate migraines within 20-60 minutes from taking it. The side effects are typically minimal, and a single dose cost $60-$100. Medi-Kan will not cover this medication as it is classified as a pain medication, despite it functioning on a completely different concept from pain medications. However, they will cover the $2000 ER bill that will result when you go in and get treatment with the same medication you could have gotten over the counter. By this point ,the pain is so severe that the doctor will administrate narcotic pain relievers for the pain while waiting for the other medications to take effect.
This is only one example of the situation. You also get no visual coverage, no dental coverage (although even with Medicaid in this state, they will only cover extractions but not the dentures you will need after your teeth are gone) and you will have to pay $3 -$6 co-pays per prescription filled. For people like myself, this would result in a $27+ monthly bill just for my medications at a minimum.
The other flaw is how the incentive to return to work, or at least supplement your ssi/ssdi income works. The ssi/ssdi system will allow you to make around $200 a month without penalty. For every dollar over that, you get a 50 cent penalty. So you think "Ok, I can work with this." but you forgot things like Sect. 8, food stamps, and other assistant programs. To them, they see that you are earning $400, but they don't count the penalties from the other programs. In many earning brackets, gaining $400 a month will cost you $430 in penalties. That does not include things like gas for your car, work clothing and other cost associated with employment. Also, if you do manage to work for a while, you may actually lose your benefits from one program or another. So if you have a relapse (such as in my case where my functionality raises considerably in the summer) you will have to re-apply for these programs. In some cases this includes re-applying for disability.
tolawdjk (anonymous) says…
What the hell is wrong with $3-$6 copays? I would kill for $3-$6 copays. So what if it costs you $27 a month? Am I supposed to feel that this is burdensome for you? Your other two options are the several hundred a month that it would cost your average working family with zero health care, or $0 and no perscriptions that it would cost your average working family with zero health care.
mom_of_three (anonymous) says…
If you are only making $600 a month, $27 is a lot. I honestly don't know how the government can let people live that way. Every day I am thankful for healthy kids, good jobs for hubby and me, and our own home. But in a heartbeat, it could all be gone.
jumpin_catfish (anonymous) says…
life's tough and it's not fair but come on $27 bucks that's a deal or am I just mean?
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Out of three postings, only one got the point. It's percentile. If your making $1000 a month, then $27 is only 4% of your income. If your only pulling in $600, then your paying over 7%. That may not sound like a lot, but it is.
Somehow this has gotten into some sort of a bash on ssi/ssdi recipients really quickly. Sure, you may pay more. But I bet you get more coverage as well. We go to where they send us. This includes our doctors. We take what medications they decide on, not the doctors. It's not the only thing we have to deal with. It's one of many many many issues that those recieving disability have to deal with. We have no choice in the matter, nor do we have any say. That is just the way it is. Just because you pay higher co-pays means little when you think about it. You can work. You can get overtime and sick leave, and bonuses and additional jobs and everything. We can't. We don't get to change anything. In 2 years, my computer will be obsolete and I will have no money to buy a new one. People with jobs would be able to reasonably keep up.
Under these programs, we aren't even allowed to have a savings without penalties. Nor are we allowed more than one vehicle per household. And if you got people living with you, that's even more penalties.
Bubbles (anonymous) says…
This is what happens when Moochers are empowered. How many Moochers are the Bonafides suppose to take care of? How much wealth do the Bonafides have to transfer to the Moochers before they start taking care of themselves?
smot (anonymous) says…
Disability and the ability to cope with different medical conditions varies from individual to individual. What is disabling to one person is not disabling to another. The magnitude of the disability systems that have been set up in the USA and the world have become a dual edged sword; often time, the pursuit of benefits become the goal rather than trying to learn other skills in order to continue in the work environment. Unemployment is in and of itself a significant risk factor for early death in all societies. Many people deserve disability benefits and many probably do not or should not....this leads to the discussion of pain which is also an individual condition. Society is left with a huge problem:
What to do with people who cannot get disability benefits and deserve them promptly vs. what to do with the large number of people that have medical condtions that opt to pursue disabiity rather than try to cope with their problems and remain in the work place. There is no easy solution unless society makes the benefit of remaining in the work place more attractive and lucrative.
alm77 (anonymous) says…
All I could think of while reading this is "How much does it cost to buy disability insurance?" I'm guessing that policy claims don't take 3 years to complete. I have compassion for the people in the story and I think those of us reading it should take the precautions necessary to make sure we're not another statistic. I'm guessing that they all wish they'd had a back up plan. Also, I think all benefits (disability, food stamps, anything) should continue for at least 6 months without change after you've become gainfully employed and then the situation reevaluated. Let people get on their feet before you pull the rug out from under them.
imastinker (anonymous) says…
This article is a good justification for not going with government health care.
smitty (anonymous) says…
What the hell is wrong with the nay sayers? The man just gave you a comprehesive explanation of what it is like to get off of the homeless roll and then what it is like to try and survive on the ssi/ssdi. RB did an excellent job with the education but he can't make you intelligent enough to understand.
Let me go a step further with the expenses. If you are mentally ill and unable to manage your own budget and meds there are additional expenses. A social service agency will be assigned to manage the money @ what was $30 a month a few years ago before I took over for my charge. The social service agency is in Topeka and charges by law the $30. But the agency had a bank located in T-town and not in Lawrence so it cost an additional $2-$5 to cash the weekly allowance checks(gro, laundry, transportation, hygiene, etc). The client didn't have a bank account because they were unable to comprehend how to manage it without math errors. Also there were charges of $2-3 per week to have the medicine box prepared by the pharmacy and an additonal $2 delivery charge because theat was less expensive than the client picking it up. The med box prep was required because of the error in taking the meds. That adds up to a substantial amount on a $600 mo income not counting the co-pay you seem so upset about.
I took over these charged duties and have been able to buy shoes and clothing that were unaffordable while the system managed the budget. Considering that there had been multiple surgeries on the feet and legs to try and maintain mobility, payless shoes or pass me downs were making the problem worse. Not having to pay for a minimum of 5 check cashing charges, 4 med box and additional delivery charges has made a massive difference in what is affordable in basic needs.
There is no extra money any way you look at it.
BTW, raising the sales tax rate will make it even harder to manage this budget.
Thanks RB for your well worded attempt to educate the public.
sourpuss (anonymous) says…
One problem is that healthy people do not understand what it means to be in constant pain. Even someone who "looks" healthy could have MS, arthritis, Crohn's disease or a plethora of others. People also suffer from things like debilitating migraines or insomnia, making them unable to work. For all of you people who think someone is getting a "free ride," you try to live on government assistance. Cut your budget down to $500/month and see how well you get by. See what you can afford. Notice how expensive that apple or 1/4 tank of gas just got. Think about your last car repair bill - could you afford that on $500? What about Christmas or birthday presents, or a nice weekend getaway? Any money left for food and a roof?
What people need to realize is that our productivity and automation is so good that a certain percentage of people are not needed to work. We actually can't employ every able-bodied person, so why are we giving those in chronic pain such a hard time? This has nothing to do with the morals of working 8-5. Many people with wasting diseases or irreperable physical injuries COULD work at a small task, and many of them would like to in order to feel some worth or make some contribution, but as pointed out, disability is so black-and-white. It isn't. Just because you feel well enough to do a few small tasks for 3-4 hours doesn't mean you can stand behind a counter for 8.
And for those jerks out there who think someone with MS is trying to get a free ride off of all your "hard work," I wish there was a suit someone could put you in to make you feel the way people with MS (or any of these other problems) feel. It is easy for you to be all snotty about a meager handout when you don't know what daily suffering is. If we are not going to help support our weak and infirm, why not just kill them? MIght be kinder than watching them suffer, homeless on the street. It is our duty to take care of -everyone- in their time of need. That is what makes us human. And if you never need assistance, count yourself among the luckiest beings in the universe because you didn't have to live in pain and heartbreak, your access to food and home resting on the whims of the healthy.
dbrm4ever2006 (Bobbi Reid) says…
Okay, I want ot add my 2 cents. My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer 5 years ago. He is unable to work. We have 2 children. I stay home full time to help with his care, and take care of the kids. We live on $792 per month. It is very hard sometimes to pay the copays, when your electric bill is $200 or your gas bill is $200. We make due. I am in school full time as well. Those of you complaining about us on disability, need to walk a mile in our shoes, and then see how you feel. It is hard, but we do it because we have too.
dbrm4ever2006 (Bobbi Reid) says…
Sourpuss, you are right. My husband looks fine, but has memory loss, seizures, etc. Just because someone looks healthy does not mean that they truly are.
imastinker (anonymous) says…
I will agree that there are people that can't work - but twice as many in 2006 as in 2002?
smitty (anonymous) says…
Twice as many may well mean that there were far too many that were not covered because of the system's failures.
alm77 (anonymous) says…
sourpuss, I hope you don't think I'm a naysayer. I just think most of us don't give it a thought until its us or a loved one in that situation. I understand that it is impossible to live on such little income and those who do are miracle workers who need a medal! The "education" that we are receiving here should lead to action. Most people save money for retirement aside from government supplied Social Security so why not have something to rely on in case of disability as well? Something like 80% of all foreclosures are due to disability. It does happen and there are things we can do to prepare other than relying on the broken, slow, unreasonable government solution.
domino (anonymous) says…
I know there are SO many people out there who need assistance and I don't have a problem with that. Where MY beef comes in is seeing a man I worked with who is now on disability from an on-the-job back injury but who apparently felt well enough to dance and jump around at a party. It wasn't quite to a "mosh pit" jump & bump, but very close. Just think it's really sad that people who abuse the system are getting the money that should be going to those who truly need it.
sourpuss (anonymous) says…
Domino, there are always going to be a few people who take advantage of any, ANY, system. I teach university classes and there are always those kids who work harder cheating than just studying in the first place. However, the existance of cheats and scoundrels doesn't mean the system itself is bad, it means that people are trying to take advantage, and there are rules in place to catch people cheating the system.
However, I would like to point out that disability is not always a 24/7. People act like disability means you are lying in bed dying all of the time. You can feel fine at certain periods of the day, or even feel good for a few days or weeks, but relapses will occur, or in the case of injuries, if you aren't really careful all of the time, reinjury is a constant possibility. As well, many people feel reasonably functional as long as they are not stressed, either physically or emotionally, and with certain conditions, not being stressed is very important to gain a few more years of functionality. As for your back injury person, if he had been resting for several days, wore a brace, took a bunch of medicine, and was euphoric due to the event, he could probably get up and dance for a couple of hours at a wedding, but that doesn't mean he is healthy. It isn't for you to judge, is it? You aren't part of the system, you don't know his medical history. Don't worry so much about someone "cheating" some system. Unless it is your job to catch disability cheaters, you have no basis for judging him.
smot (anonymous) says…
The number of people on disability continues to rise exponentially in spite of marked improvement in medical technology over the last 10 years and massive amounts of money spent on ergonomic changes in the work place. In addition, the ADA legislation has guaranteed a right to reasonable accommodations in the work place. Why the rise in people on disability? It is not as simple as "There are more people suffering or There were fewer people allowed to get disability benefits in the 90's". There is a change in society and a change in the perception of work as a good thing. There are people that deserve and need to be on disability (as there has always been) and there are people that should not be on disability. Society needs to make a stronger incentive to return to work rather than make a stronger incentive to be on disability benefits. If salaries and work place environments were better, more attractive, more financially lucrative....there would be a drop in people on disability benefits
trinity (anonymous) says…
domino, i'm glad you said that-because i could site at least a half dozen current examples of people who *claimed* on the job injuries which led to workman's comp and then to total disability! and went out doing farm labor, manual physical stuff, and then bragged&boasted about how much $$ they were raking in&how they'd eff'd the government. just ain't right. and yes, i did do something about it, felt it was my responsibility to.
dogbait (anonymous) says…
Very touchy subject! I do not know how many claims are legitimate but the statement that "Nationally, 60 percent of all Social Security disability claims initially are denied" do have a reflection on this matter. I sympathize for those who really need the benefits and have to wait and jump through hoops to receive it. It simply is not fair but the blame is not necessarily the "system" for the backlog. Most of the blame has to go to ones who "just want a free ride" and everyone knows what we are talking about here. If you were to remove the 60 percent that are initially denied, the 40 percent who really need the benefits could be processed quicker. It is the way life is, the ones who want something for nothing always burden the rest. I suggest doing what the insurance companies are all doing now. Yes, periodically send out an investigator to check on the "claimed disabled" and see if their condition have "improved". One of major problems in disability claims is "mental disabilities" which would be very difficult to "determine" the legitimacy of the claim. I also think that they are many job positions that could be filled by a person with a "disability" that are not.
I know many disabled persons who want to work but cannot find "these positions". For those who need the benefits, I say "hang in there" because you deserve it. For those looking for a "free ride" I say "get off your butt and stop holding up the line for those who really need it!" I am in the group with the Baby Boomers who will be lucky to receive any benefits when we retire or if we can even afford to because of those who have taken advantage of the "system". So don't ask the ones who are still working to be so compassionate and try to convince us that it is the "system" at fault when we all know it is always the "moochers" as Bubbles stated who put undue stress on the working class". I also believe the reason for applicants to have to endure so much "hoop jumping" was brought on by the "moochers". If it were so easy to get benefits, hell, we all would be in line! By the way, how many that have posts on here are paying for Internet service and have a PC? My brother who is disabled cannot even afford a PC much less pay for the luxury of Internet service. Yeah,,,whatever!
dogbait (anonymous) says…
Maybe we shouldn't call it "jumping through hoops" rather call it "sifting for fakes"?
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
I think the problem with understanding this system comes from knowing too many people who were able to cheat the system. I know an extended family where all the moms, dads, and grown children were obese and able to get on disability (based on false reporting). In the meantime, they were all working cash-only jobs and living better than many hard-working people. It's people like them who slow down the system and make it harder for those who really need the help.
Also, those people who have never had to stick to an incredibly low budget are not going to understand what life is like for people like Ragingbear. For people who have to choose between a new Honda or Toyota, rather than a used KIA or Ford Tempo, they are just not going to get it. Sure, I hate knowing that my taxes help support some people who are just completely lazy, but I also hope that this money is being used by those who need the help.
mom_of_three (anonymous) says…
I think we have disability insurance as part of our employer plan, but then again, it's worth checking....
Godot (anonymous) says…
SSDI was not desigend to take over when you are no longer able to do the work of your choice; it is for people who cannot do any work, of any kind, period.
dbrm4ever2006 (Bobbi Reid) says…
Colonel_Angus (Anonymous) says:
I pay over $1000 a month in taxes, knowing that someone is getting $600 of that to do nothing (disability?) (you can type on a computer, you can work) and then complain about having to copay $3-$6 is giving me a migraine.
That is so not true. My husband can do many things, but he also can have a seizure unexpectedly. Only his doctor knows what is best for him, and in the 5 years of battling this disease, she has told us over and over again, that he cannot work. He would be a liability to any employer, because if he had a seizure at work and hurt or killed himself or someone else, they would be responsible. He worked on heavy equipment rebuilding hydraulics when he became ill. you cannot do that job with his condition.
dbrm4ever2006 (Bobbi Reid) says…
Colonel_Angus (Anonymous) says:
Americlown,
You too could become one of the "privileged" by merely changing profession. Give up your clown costume and work in corporate America. Your education from clown college is admirable, hardly spectacular.
dbrm4ever2006,
Veggies can't work, if a person can type on a computer they can work. They can work from home, trailer or federally subsidized apartment. My sympathies for your husband's condition, he can do a lot; phone sales, internet sales, web design, etc, etc. All the above can be done from home and on your own schedule.
Good Luck
You are wrong, because I previously stated above, that he has memory loss(short term). This effects his every day living. He sometimes cannot remember if he took a shower that day, let alone remember sales pitches, programming codes, etc. I can only pray that you are never in this situation, because believe me you make it sound like wonderland compared to real life.
alm77 (anonymous) says…
mom of three, I just emailed my husband asking him to bring home info on that! Sounds like it might be worth taking.
imisslawrence01 (anonymous) says…
It is amazing to me that all of these people who say they are disabled happen to have computers and cell phones - etc all of these things are luxuries - my fiance is disabled and we have been turned down 2x for disabilty - I cannot afford day care so our son has to stay home with him - he has been cut off from Medical asssistance thru the state - he has no income - he has medications that he cannot live without - and they just cut him off so do they want him to die or they just dont care - he has worked his entire life - he is 36yo and has worked since 9yo. I cannot afford health insurance for myself or my son since I need money to pay my rent , bills etc - The people who really need asssistance are turned down and it makes me sick. We have never been on any state assistance before he was sick and we were only on medical - I am not that concerned about myself since i am pretty healthy but it is a great country when we cut off our sick and young and offer everthing under the sun to illegals- I work 40+ hours a week and I wonder what I am paying taxes for -
dbrm4ever2006 (Bobbi Reid) says…
imisslawrence.... We have internet, because I go to school at JCCC and my classes are online. I have a prepaid cell phone for emergencies only, and I drive a toyota with 356,000 miles on it with no a/c and 2 young kids. I do not have extras, so I understand where you are coming from.
imisslawrence01 (anonymous) says…
I drive a van that my parents bought for us and they pay the insurance because I cant afford it. Luckily we can go to Indian Health and he is able to get his meds - one of his meds it over 1000 dollars for one injection that is given and prepared by me 2x weekly - so 8000 a month just for that med - I only make a little over 2000 a month half of that goes to rent and of course I have student loans - It is an awful blow to anyone especially when they are decent productive citzens criminals get more - 3 meals a day - healthcare and a roof over there head -
dbrm4ever2006 (Bobbi Reid) says…
I agree imisslawrence. When my husband was taking chemo, it was $2500 for 20 pills. Now, thankfully he has medicare, but if he didn't, we would pay out of pocket $1200 per month for his meds currently, and that does not include his biweekly doctor appointments, mri's, bloodwork, etc.
imisslawrence01 (anonymous) says…
we have to drive over 3 hours every month to get his medications - so i have to save up during the month to make the trip - unfortunately i think if they (government) think that your disease is terminal and you will will not survive they are completely willing to pay out -
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
When I was in 3rd grade, I was diagnosed with a number of issues that my mother took advantage of and got me placed in SSI. When I was 20, I actually went into their office and told them to take me off the entire system, as I felt that I would be able to work. I was, for about 6 months. I then got swept up into those same issues I manifested as a child, lost my apartment, my stuff, and when my car broke down, I lost that. I went to different friends for about 6 months for places to live. Eventually, that resource collapsed and I found myself homeless. My actual time on the streets was 16 months. All of my possessions fit into a small rubbermaid box. I slept on an inch thick pad on a concrete floor in a room full of 30-60 other homeless individuals. The availability of showers and laundry services were severely limited. This resulted in my sometimes enduring several days without a shower, and having to wear the same clothing for 3-4 days.
When I finally was awarded SSI some years later, the judge said that based on my extensive file that the SSA should never have accepted my dismissal in the first place. Apparently there were things they had to do before they just accepted the dismissal, which they did not do.
Had I really wanted "a free ride" I would have never gone off of disability. If I was just too lazy to work, then I would have gotten over that after a while in the homeless shelter. I despised and hated being on the streets, and still have nightmares from my time where I knew I could get attacked or had my stuff stolen at any given time.
I have my good days and my bad days. Sometimes I feel quite well. I feel that if I had a job that I could work a 12 hour shift and not have any difficulty. Other days, I can barely pull myself out of bed. In some cases, it was so bad that I would urinate in a jug next to my bed rather than getting up. This was long ago, before my medication and I regret having to go through that. Frankly, that is just disgusting.
I can't usually tell if I am going to have a good day or a bad day in advance. Sure sometimes I can see an episode coming, but other times I don't. I will wake up in the morning, realize that I had been asleep for 16 hours, and finding myself contemplating suicide in some fashion. If I had a job, I would not even care enough to call in sick. Of course, this would get anyone fired.
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
I am not wealthy by any means. I built a computer designed to last with my back pay. I acquired a motor scooter for transportation. I do not have a cell phone. Not due to paranoia, but because of the expense (And that I hate it enough when people keep calling me at home, much less when I'm out). I have managed the best I could given the circumstances. Not a day goes by where I don't think about how much better it would be, and I would feel if I were able to work for my own support . I don't like being at the whim of whatever the government decides, or being limited so severely with my own income. Even at minimum wage a full time job can net me nearly $1000 a month. I would much rather be working any day than living under this program. It's just not realistic. I even mentioned to my Psychiatric Medical Doctor that I would like to be independent of the system. She caught herself just a little too late when she accidentally muttered "I don't think that's realistic.". I intend to prove her wrong, but every day is a struggle. I know that even a few weeks without my medication that I could easily end up in the state hospital on suicide watch. One day there will run the taxpayers more than 1 month of disability.
AttaGirl45 (anonymous) says…
I feel for those of you who whave posted and are trying to live on what disability pays you. I DO understand. My doctor has been trying to get me on disability for over a year now and it's a terrible process to go through. I already get my meds from Canada because if I were to get them here, it would cost me almost $1,000.00 a month. In Canada, I pay almost $300.00. I have seen the rude comments and discrimination made towards Americans on disability, and it saddens me. I am being forced to give up my struggle because I can no longer afford to wait. I give each of you a warm hug for hanging in there. I also say to those of you who have not walked in their shoes, please don't judge or put down what you do not understand.
imisslawrence01 (anonymous) says…
I think that the overall picture is not taken into consideration - even on state medical assistance you receive mediocre care and the MD office just takes patients on state assistance because they will receive their money - Look at how our veterans are treated it does not suprise me one single bit but before my fiance fell ill I was not really aware of these issues - you realize how messed up this country really is - they would rather help later then sooner -
I guess at least we are happy and have each other - and they say you are more grateful for what you have when you go thru hardships - but no one should have to struggle for food, medications, neccesities, etc
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Anonymous user
Colonel_Angus (Anonymous) says:
ragingbear wrote: "I know that even a few weeks without my medication that I could easily end up in the state hospital on suicide watch. One day there will run the taxpayers more than 1 month of disability."
================
Sounds like extortion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Sounds like stupidity.
costello (anonymous) says…
Thanks for sharing your story, Ragingbear.
imisslawrence01 (anonymous) says…
Obviously there is not an understanding of the amount of assistance that is given to people who keep having kids, recovering drug addicts, felons or illegals. You can come over to this country and receive money for starting a business, money to buy a house, etc - I never received any of this have you and I am an American citizen - Too many people in this country live in their little box and are ignorant to what is really going on - Let's hope that you don't suddenly become so sick that you can't work and take care of your family and have every door slammed in your face - all those taxes you paid going to some else - good luck with that!
packrat (anonymous) says…
I noticed that the same people saying how long it takes to receive SS-DS are the same ones who want socialized medicine.
I'm glad to see my old office, Wichita, is dramatically faster than KC. Although they are still considerably slower than when I worked there.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Bubbles (Anonymous) says:
This is what happens when Moochers are empowered. How many Moochers are the Bonafides suppose to take care of? How much wealth do the Bonafides have to transfer to the Moochers before they start taking care of themselves?
So, wait, are you saying that, for example, the parents I work with who recieve disability for lymphoma or some other serious and potentially fatal illness are just moochers?! OK, so, I guess people who get sick and are diabled are at fault.....hope you never need to access this.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Colonel_Angus (Anonymous) says:
ragingbear wrote: "I know that even a few weeks without my medication that I could easily end up in the state hospital on suicide watch. One day there will run the taxpayers more than 1 month of disability."
================
Sounds like extortion.
Can you say missed the point completely? Suicidal tenedencies and suspicion of suicidal attempt is legally required to be reported and treated.....that is what 72 hour psychiatric holds are about. Raging, sorry you are dealing with all of these idiots on here. They seem to be of the school of "Doesn't affect me or I don't need it, so it must be wrong"
George_Braziller (anonymous) says…
The_Daily_Truth:
Pray to every godess and god in the universe that you never experience any sort of mental illness or disability because your sheer nastiness will come back and bite you in your ignornant troll behind. "Everybody hates me so it obviously isn't my fault, it has to be genetic, environment or both, please give me some money" Dude, get some counseling.
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
That post was so stupid that everyone reading it is now stupider for doing so. I award you no points, you fail.
Lynn731 (anonymous) says…
It took my best friend four (4) years to get his disability payments. That was with the help of an attorney that only handles these types of cases. If anyone ever deserved it, he did. The system is badly flawed. He worked hard all his life. The amount you draw is related to the number of quarters that you work. He has worked since he was 16. Once he got his well deserved disability payments, they were enough for he and his wife to live on. No one should ever try to fight the government to get disability without the help of an attorney that handles nothing but these types of cases. Had he not had an attorney he would never have gotten his. He was dealing with an appointed judge that believed no one should receive disability. It was only after a conference call with a government hired neurologist that said to the judge, my friend and his attorney that he could never work again due to the nature of the the broken vertebrae in his neck, that the judge had no choice but to relent and grant it to him. There are many people in worse shape than my friend that cannot work due to serious injuries. Even soldiers fighting for our country being jerked around by social security. It's a travesty. Something needs to be done about it, most people on social security disabilty really deserve it, and have worked hard all their lives. Thank You, Lynn
packrat (anonymous) says…
" Even soldiers fighting for our country being jerked around by social security. " I believe that you mean the VA. Another pathetic government run health care/benefit system.
George_Braziller (anonymous) says…
George_Braziller (Anonymous) says:
The_Daily_Truth:
===================
Can you give me $1000 a month. Put "your" money where your keyboard is. Give me money.
===================
I pay my taxes just for this purpose. If you have a disability, file for Social Security and are approved (after waiting for three years or so and possibly ending up on the street because you can't work or pay your bills) then YES I support it but you're dreamin' if you think that you are automatically going to get $1,000 a month as if that is even something that you can live on.
Filing for Social Security isn't a cake walk. You would have already racked up thousands of dollars of bills that you will never be able to pay off. You are obviously one of those people who see someone use an accessible parking space, walk 50 feet to the grocery store entrance and assume that they are a slacker. "Oh hell, he can walk, why can't he work?" What you don't see is someone who possibly spent the entire day working up the stamina to even make it there to buy a loaf of bread.
ipiblo (anonymous) says…
I wish Bob Normals and his minions would pull their
heads out from their stinky armpits and realise a
good worker when they see one or I would not
be on disability.
I have limits but I can fix a broken toaster or
a tv, alot of electr,onic or electrical things.
Bob Normal and minions are prejudiced aginst those
who are different from them, if I hear "That position has been filled"
one more time Im going to slug them right in the eye.
God I hate peple who turn down your app 4 employment but then
the same ones turn around and binch about you being
on disability I want to just kill those buttholes!
Dont they know a dang thing? Just because I wasnt
built oh so perfect like they were "oh dear lord!!!
dont hire him, he isnt normal!!!"
Yeah then binch about me living on his takses,
I would be working - I would have a job if Bob Normals
were not such discrimmaniterry bastards.
excopdude (anonymous) says…
I know this is an old article, but I just got approved for my SS disability last week at my second hearing. I have been fighting for my benefits since March 2002 and its now April 2009. So, its definitely not an easy ride to get your application for benefits approved. In the meantime, there was bankruptcy, a mortgage on my home, and worsening of my health. Prior to this BS nightmare, I was a US Army Infantry veteran (my health problems started there back in 1991) and a SWAT officer for the county.
I realize, especially from being a cop, that there will always be those out there that abuse the system or lie in some way. However, there are those that don't. And no, you cannot always look at someone and know exactly what they are going through.....looks can be deceiving. Ive had family members who were terminally ill that really didn't necessarily "look" sick until near the very end. With that in mind, for those who like to run their mouth about people who are sick.....it can come back and bite you right on the a--s if you aren't careful. So what if a sick person has a computer or can type...hell, I can tie my own shoe laces too...does that make me a faker? I didnt ask to be sick and neither did anyone else on here that fought for their benefits.
Its really humiliating basically being accused of being a faker the entire time you are trying to get your social security disability. Nobody remembers that you are a veteran that volunteered to serve your country during a period of war and nobody remembers that you were a police officer who used to risk your own life for people who didnt even want your help.....oh no, they just want to look at you like you are trying to get one over on them.....yeah right...for a few hundred bucks a month.
And then you get geniuses like some of those who post on blogs like this, who want to armchair diagnose what people can and cant do.....I dont care if you can run a marathon on Monday morning, but are sick the rest of the week....no employer can use someone like that.
So, the moral of the story for you guys on here that are ill and have been trying to explain to some of the fools on here that dont know what they are talking about....dont worry about what others think...they dont live in your shoes 24 hours a day. Let them end up in the same situation themselves someday and they will be the first ones to come crying to Uncle Sam for their benefits too...... Thats all I have to rave about tonight on this subject.