Joined: Jan 12, 2009 Age: 31 Posts: 625 Location: United States
Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 4:45 am Post subject:
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case. _________________ “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” _Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case.
Yes, I agree here 100%. Getting SSI is a battle of waiting and other things and in the time you wait you could get any kind of job, if you're capable (I'm not and have tried stuff in the past too before this). It took my dad who's actually physically disabled a long time and it was very hard on us because we were down one paycheck and had to depend on mom.
Also to the people with food problems: It may have been mentioned before but if you live in the US at least (dunno if they're in other countries, I'm ignorant) the Salvation Army is GREAT. We went once and they gave us so much food and this was just when my mom got fired and we were living on my dad's SSI. I think we still have some of the canned food left. They gave us macaroni, ramen, shrimp gumbo etc etc. If you're starving or hungry and not picky they are always willing to help you and usually give you more than needed.
someone my mom knew who was on disability for 9 years suddenly got booted off it- reason? "he could have been looking for work in this time" at least that is what my mom was told...
Whether i think i'm capable of working or not is a moot point imo.....if the person sitting across from the hiring table thinks i am incapable of working are they going to hire me?
I personally think i can work, should that disqualify me from disability? I guess many of you would say yes.
Inability to find a job+medical evidence siding towards reasons why=disability imo...
by many of your definitions medical evidence alone and lack of a job are not enough
lawyer+medical evidence+truly believing you cannot work= disability in your mind
but by that logic and i believe the logic ssi or ssdi whichever....uses if you could sit down and type a message on the internet you are capable of working.
I'm not at the point where I will say I am incapable of working...while that might be the so called requirement as an aspie I have to take that statement literally.
"I am incapable of working"
So....by that definition none of the things you do in your daily life are considered working?
Whether small or big i consider every action I do a form of work. Brushing my teeth, taking my dog for a walk, typing this all out, tearing down electronics I buy a goodwill for entertainment, or installing them if they are suitable.
I'm sure this will brew a big argument...but i just think the whole disabled thing when it comes to mental disorders is a lot harder to define then say a spinal injury which leaves the person paralyzed.
Are they both forms of disability? Yes.
Technically blinking is a form of work, i'm sure you must burn at least half a calorie doing that.
The question of disability should be are you able to hold a steady job part time or full for more then 3 months...
For me the answer to that question is no....if I have fooled the person into hiring me by pretending to be socially normal for the brief interview I will be hired....(big if for me lately....i've had a couple interviews in the past 2 years of being unemployed and have not been able to fool the interviewers) Although that could be because there were multiple interviewers which makes it harder for me to speak the more people there are around. However I have been hired 4 times and each time with 1 acception being the people who hired me didn't speak English so the job was given to me on my friends word that I would be a good worker....I didn't have to say a word which was nice. However each of these jobs including that one I have not been able to last longer than 3 months, eventually my "sporadic" behavior due to my mental issues eventually leaves me exposed to my co-workers and especially the higher ranking employees as an irregular undependable person.
I believe that there are people more worse off then others financially...but does financial issues make one disabled? There are people who have taken out loans they could not afford who are now in terrible shape financially....does that make them disabled?
Anyways...i've got 0 dollars to my name...but i do have a roof over my head and am usually not hungry. I am thankful for that....but does that make me not disabled?
Probably a giant can of worms but o well....i have to go shovel some dirt.
Joined: Jan 07, 2011 Age: 23 Posts: 14828 Location: Somewhere in Colorado
Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 2:52 pm Post subject:
lyricalillusions wrote:
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case.
Well if i could make it past the interview and get hired it is possible I could 'work' but that does not mean I can keep up with the work load, or that my symptoms could interfere with my ability to work or that the stress of trying to keep up but having to push way to hard to suppress my issues would make my mental state worse leading to even more trouble functioning.
What I am getting at is I can do activities considered 'work' but that does not mean I can work at a job effectively enough to keep the job...or that I could even handle enough hours to make any real amount of income. Thing that sucks is that it takes so long to get approved and that one might need a lawyer I mean what are people supposed to live on while going through this process? not to mention afford a lawyer. _________________ It's like alice in wonderland except, my names not alice and this is the real world not a dream.
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case.
Well if i could make it past the interview and get hired it is possible I could 'work' but that does not mean I can keep up with the work load, or that my symptoms could interfere with my ability to work or that the stress of trying to keep up but having to push way to hard to suppress my issues would make my mental state worse leading to even more trouble functioning.
What I am getting at is I can do activities considered 'work' but that does not mean I can work at a job effectively enough to keep the job...or that I could even handle enough hours to make any real amount of income. Thing that sucks is that it takes so long to get approved and that one might need a lawyer I mean what are people supposed to live on while going through this process? not to mention afford a lawyer.
I think I understand how you feel, have you tried taking to a doctor any about this? Not just disability really but your worries about other stuff, I mean you might have some real actual anxiety issues or something. You sound really unhappy from the general theme of your posts though I haven't followed each and every one.
Joined: Jan 07, 2011 Age: 23 Posts: 14828 Location: Somewhere in Colorado
Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 3:17 pm Post subject:
NeueZiel wrote:
Sweetleaf wrote:
lyricalillusions wrote:
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case.
Well if i could make it past the interview and get hired it is possible I could 'work' but that does not mean I can keep up with the work load, or that my symptoms could interfere with my ability to work or that the stress of trying to keep up but having to push way to hard to suppress my issues would make my mental state worse leading to even more trouble functioning.
What I am getting at is I can do activities considered 'work' but that does not mean I can work at a job effectively enough to keep the job...or that I could even handle enough hours to make any real amount of income. Thing that sucks is that it takes so long to get approved and that one might need a lawyer I mean what are people supposed to live on while going through this process? not to mention afford a lawyer.
I think I understand how you feel, have you tried taking to a doctor any about this? Not just disability really but your worries about other stuff, I mean you might have some real actual anxiety issues or something. You sound really unhappy from the general theme of your posts though I haven't followed each and every one.
Still working on that....I plan to schedule an appointment at this mental health place that can hopefully help me with getting diagnosed it said they offer services to people with no income so hopefully that will help. But yeah I've gone to therapy and I've struggled a lot with all my issues but I've never been officially diagnosed with the issues I have. So yeah I don't even have a lot of documented proof to be approved for SSI. _________________ It's like alice in wonderland except, my names not alice and this is the real world not a dream.
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case.
Well if i could make it past the interview and get hired it is possible I could 'work' but that does not mean I can keep up with the work load, or that my symptoms could interfere with my ability to work or that the stress of trying to keep up but having to push way to hard to suppress my issues would make my mental state worse leading to even more trouble functioning.
What I am getting at is I can do activities considered 'work' but that does not mean I can work at a job effectively enough to keep the job...or that I could even handle enough hours to make any real amount of income. Thing that sucks is that it takes so long to get approved and that one might need a lawyer I mean what are people supposed to live on while going through this process? not to mention afford a lawyer.
I think I understand how you feel, have you tried taking to a doctor any about this? Not just disability really but your worries about other stuff, I mean you might have some real actual anxiety issues or something. You sound really unhappy from the general theme of your posts though I haven't followed each and every one.
IMO (lacking in knowledge on the subject...hence the post) applying for ssi could be a good option for you because then you get free doctors to diagnose these things....which i think you would get more of if you have no documentation. But some say the doctors are horrid where as others say they got awesome doctors.....plus the time thing that keeps being repeated like in sand lot when they repeat "forever, forever........"
Joined: Jan 07, 2011 Age: 23 Posts: 14828 Location: Somewhere in Colorado
Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 6:25 pm Post subject:
legomyego wrote:
IMO (lacking in knowledge on the subject...hence the post) applying for ssi could be a good option for you because then you get free doctors to diagnose these things....which i think you would get more of if you have no documentation. But some say the doctors are horrid where as others say they got awesome doctors.....plus the time thing that keeps being repeated like in sand lot when they repeat "forever, forever........"
I applied once and the 'doctor' they sent me to talked to me for 10 minutes hardly enough time to diagnose anything let alone actually get an idea of how my symptoms effect me. I got denied that time and I don't think that doctor really helped. _________________ It's like alice in wonderland except, my names not alice and this is the real world not a dream.
Joined: Feb 05, 2010 Posts: 13503 Location: My house
Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 7:33 pm Post subject:
lyricalillusions wrote:
SSI is very hard to get, regardless of the diagnoses a person has and you should never apply unless you are actually unable to work due to your issues. If you're only applying because you can't find a job and can not get unemployment benefits, you're just wasting their time, as well as making it harder for those (like myself) who truly are unable to work. So, if you do apply, make sure it's because you know that you can not work. And know that it IS going to be very difficult and take quite a long time. You will also most likely have to get a lawyer in order to win your case.
What about people who can work but yet can't get a job because their poor social skills keeps them from getting a job, they can't pass an interview or something about them isn't good enough when they apply due to their AS?
If more people stop being so judgmental and ignorant and stop creating all these roadblocks for getting a job and just hire anyone who can do the job, then it be a lot easier for some of us to get a job than not be unable to get one or struggle. Then less people be on SSI too I bet.
IMO (lacking in knowledge on the subject...hence the post) applying for ssi could be a good option for you because then you get free doctors to diagnose these things....which i think you would get more of if you have no documentation. But some say the doctors are horrid where as others say they got awesome doctors.....plus the time thing that keeps being repeated like in sand lot when they repeat "forever, forever........"
I applied once and the 'doctor' they sent me to talked to me for 10 minutes hardly enough time to diagnose anything let alone actually get an idea of how my symptoms effect me. I got denied that time and I don't think that doctor really helped.
dang, guess you got the short straw =(
how long ago was that? Maybe try again and ask to be interview for longer than 10 minutes. That's pretty ridiculous....maybe get a good luck charm haha ><
That's crazy, I'm sorry to hear you guys get such as*hole doctors. With all the sh** I tell mine I think if one treated me like how yours' do I'd break down in tears or have a meltdown. 10 minutes really? Do they just ask what's wrong with you and you say some stuff then they tell you to leave? Each doctor I've been to is always like "Well...what's wrong?"
What I did for mine was I wrote this really long letter where I'd record how I felt during my worst phases because I have lots of trouble vocalizing and communicating with people I'm not use to, basically anyone not my parents. I was kind of lucky though because I had my mom with me and she kind of served as a liaison for when I was having trouble saying things until I got more comfortable and could form some sentences on my own to tell him.
If you're having trouble with social issues and awkwardness and kind of come off saying "Well...I think I have aspergers and feel anxious" he might be more likely not to listen. It can be REALLY hard to talk to a doctor, especially if you have social issues and you get flustered. Try writing a note or letter of all the stuff you feel then when you go to the doctor read some of the stuff to him. Its a lot easier for me to type and make my point so it works for me. Who cares if he asks why you're not looking at him and reading from a letter? Tell him you have trouble verbalizing (if you really do) and this makes it easier for you to explain things to him.
Write the kind of stuff you post and share on this forum about how depressed, awkward, alone and unaccepted you feel. How you have trouble doing things, go into detail and explain to him WHY it has caused you pain, hurt you in the long run and most importantly limited you. Even if its just social stuff, like a crippling fear of going out. Give your heart out to the doctor and if he still doesn't listen f**k him he's not worth his diploma and go talk to someone else.
Keep in mind that a good deal of autistic people have lots of trouble showing emotion in their spoken words, if you are one of them then this will help even more.
Joined: Oct 01, 2011 Posts: 156 Location: MidWest Hell Hole
Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 9:53 am Post subject:
TheSunAlsoRises wrote:
2wheels4ever wrote:
I've been on it since 19. After 3 years they sent a questionnaire to fill out. Some months later, I received a 'we want you to see a special doctor' letter. The special doctor asks me who the President is, to remember the word 'banana' and what I would do if the house was on fire. Based on my answers, SSI sends me a letter a few weeks later telling me I'm healed. My mom had to help me fight to get back on. Another 3 years goes by, same thing. I was nearly catatonic after a devasting relationship collapse at the time. Old doctor reads my wailings and tells me "vot's de matter vith yew?, YEW can verk!' I wish my meltdowns weren't dormant at that moment, a hospitalization would have been a good bump. Another 3 years go by and I'm briefly homeless, so they skipped me over that time
. Around the next 3-year period my mom had to quit working and signed up for SS. She got denied twice despite showing up to their meetings looped out on opiates and benzos. After the 2nd appeal she got on SSA, and they transferred my status to SSDI, despite my only ever having worked 1.5 summers of JTPA jobs and a week at Taco Bell. Currently, it seems they only want me to visit their special doctor after 7 years instead of 3 now, I just did one last fall and the ruling is I get a reprieve for another year. In 2009, California kept cutting the 'small' check from $250 or so, to $150, to $25, to eventually $0, at which point they tried to yank my Medi-cal. The SS office sent me to DPSS and I was able to keep Medi-cal so I still have Medi-Medi, and while I was there I applied for and received EBT food, at $200/ month. Which is almost as good as it was. Prior to 2009 I was working under the table with the good fortune that it was in one of my aspie interests, when that went along with the SS drama I was nearly at the end of my rope. I was able to build up a solid reputation out on my own, working in my special interest. and having some clients tell me I should charge more. Most of what I bring in gets tied up in supplies and inventory, so I've been caught short a few times so far.
On the last visit to Dr. I let the cat out about feeling down about no revenue calls coming in, his suggestion was to hit up Vocational Rehab. Last time I went to them, they sent me to Goodwill where I could expect to earn minimum wage after doing custodial there for 5 years, or being a custodian at this, that or another place, or going to live in a dormitory for 6 months to learn how to pour concrete and nail drywall, which, in most places anyone wants to live, there is a Home Depot where there are already 30 guys standing around in front who can do all that. I don't know how much is changed, but I'm hoping almost quixotically that they'll have anything remotely near my special interests before I give them another try.
I'd say to think out any way to situate yourself in life with your interests before SSI, and only consider as a last resort. In hindsight I wish I hadn't struggled to deny my condition and waste time and energy trying to fit in and being shut out for my troubles
The special doctor asks me who the President is ?
my answer: Elvis Presley. * At which point, i state THAT i am going to start singing the National Anthem. I begin to sing a Hunk of Burning Love by Elvis.
to remember the word 'banana' ?
my answer: Sir, I am NOT a gang member how dare you ask me to remember the word BANDANA.
and what I would do if the house was on fire?
my answer: Take some sleeping pills; i wouldn't want the fire to wake me up. Boogety Boogety Booooooo. The cat in the hat is YOUUUU.
TheSunAlsoRises
Good luck with that. My shrink friend freelances for SSDI/SSI reviews. Short of frank psychosis, he'd punt that under the. "being a smart ass category". Denied.
Most of the folks he okays are people with dementia, CHIs, Bipolar and Schizophrenia. And we are talking the severe end of those spectrum.
He sees very few Aspie cases as those are considered a neurology issue. How many neurologist, who treat adults, know crap about Aspies? Yeah. I know. Not many.
All the Aspies I have heard of on SSI have comorbid severe psych issues. The psych issues got the SSI, with the Aspie part playing a secondary role.
Joined: May 04, 2012 Age: 41 Posts: 1339 Location: Losing status at the high school
Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 11:56 am Post subject:
Tawaki wrote:
Good luck with that. My shrink friend freelances for SSDI/SSI reviews. Short of frank psychosis, he'd punt that under the. "being a smart ass category". Denied.
Most of the folks he okays are people with dementia, CHIs, Bipolar and Schizophrenia. And we are talking the severe end of those spectrum.
He sees very few Aspie cases as those are considered a neurology issue. How many neurologist, who treat adults, know crap about Aspies? Yeah. I know. Not many.
All the Aspies I have heard of on SSI have comorbid severe psych issues. The psych issues got the SSI, with the Aspie part playing a secondary role.
That would explain how I got in. When I wrote my answer to 'have you ever thought about killing yourself' I was terrified of being rehospitalized if I said yes, but then I thought 'who doesn't think of killing themselves?' Then I thought that wasn't enough for them to go on. I was surprised by the next question; 'have you ever thought about killing other people?' I was in a 'Oh crap I'm probably going to turn into another Jeffrey Dahmer' phase
Shortly before I applied I knew someone whose brother was halfway to becoming one of those people where the fire dept. has to come cut the wall off the house to get them out, he went through a shorter review period and received a larger settlement
Joined: Jan 20, 2008 Posts: 551 Location: College Park,MD
Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 12:01 pm Post subject:
The real question I should be asking what do you supposed to do while waiting two years for a $600 check? Especially those who are about to be homeless or kicked out of the house or don't have a family, or perpectually unable to work.
The real question I should be asking what do you supposed to do while waiting two years for a $600 check? Especially those who are about to be homeless or kicked out of the house or don't have a family, or perpectually unable to work.
There are a lot of programs available that don't require you to be on disability, you just have to show a need. There are housing, medical and food programs available that have a short wait time. As an example in CA the food program can approve you in as little as 3 days. You really have to do some research to understand what is available to you, it's not like they advertise.
