Social Security Disability

[RichE8475]

I have been trying to obtain social security for the last two years. My anxiety and agoraphobia has worsened, and it has become frustrating. When you apply they just send you forms, and set you up with "their" doctors to be evaluated. Every time my mother has explained, 'How is he to get there if he cannot walk ten feet to the end of the road. The reasoning for the declination stated: He can feed himself, clean, and bathe himself. Has this happened to you? If so, were you able to find a way to get help, and get them to understand. I know that i am physically capable of doing work, however, there are no jobs that will let me work from home (Like actual legit wage). The government has no clue that mental issues are debilitating. Again, if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear about it.

 

[hades_leae]

They probably figure that your reason for wanting is not worthy enough, it sucks that you pay into it, but when you need it they don't want to give you your money seeing as how it is your money. The laws are so crazy about this, I got approved for $700 something dollars a month, and I was 23 years old at that time, they told me that I was eligible if I qualified, I earned enough credits, or points, I can't remember what they were called.


By the time I'm 40 I should be able to take home a lot more because of all the work I have done. They won't really tell you why you got denied, but I'm sure it's because the are limiting the amount of money they are giving out to people who don't pay into the system because they can legally do that. We have a big debt nationally, the government has changed up it's policies to many of it's tax funded institutions meant to be direct for the people.


Don't give up, I'm sure there are many ways to get approved, I would consider looking up laws, cases, public reports that could help you get approved because there are lots of people out there who I'm sure had a similar situation but they did not give up.

 

[Pandora]

I am in the same boat Rich. I have tried three times and get a new excuse of why I was denied. At first they didn't give me an excuse so, I demanded for the excuse. Finally, after several months of wait they finally gave me an excuse of why I was denied. It's very frustrating to set back and wait for a new excuse. I don't have any pointers on what to do but, I wanted to let you know your not alone on fighting with SSI people. Everyone that I know has fought with them several times and some had to get a lawyer to get their money.

 

[nytegeek]

I have been trying to obtain social security for the last two years. My anxiety and agoraphobia has worsened' date=' and it has become frustrating. When you apply they just send you forms, and set you up with "their" doctors to be evaluated. Every time my mother has explained, 'How is he to get there if he cannot walk ten feet to the end of the road. The reasoning for the declination stated: He can feed himself, clean, and bathe himself. Has this happened to you? If so, were you able to find a way to get help, and get them to understand. I know that i am physically capable of doing work, however, there are no jobs that will let me work from home (Like actual legit wage). The government has no clue that mental issues are debilitating. Again, if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear about it.[/quote']
Did you apply for disability or did you apply for SSI? They are different and I need to know which you applied for to give a proper response.

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

Here in Canada my doctor suggested for me to apply to CPP disability benefits. However he did put on my evaluation that I can do *some* jobs. I did not find this out until 3 months later. I remember opening my mailbox to a big package from them and I was nervous well sure enough I was denied because of my doctor putting I can do some jobs. And though that is true I had hoped they would of at least helped me out. I then called welfare and because of my boyfriends income they said they can't help yet told me to fill out the paperwork. Its over a year later and I still never filled it out. I am nervous of having a breakdown if they deny me too. It really bothers me I know a lot of people on welfare who just refuse to work. Here I am with social anxiety very crippling some days but sometimes I do send out a job application, like today I sent out 4. My boyfriend has been taking care of everything for the most part but I don't want it to be this way. I use to make my own money when I did handle having a job. I miss that. I wish I had an answer for you I don't... I am going through the same thing where I can't seem to get help.

 

[pwarbi]

The benefits that people can apply for will be called different things depending on where you live, so it's going to be hard for anyone on here to answer specific questions about your particular claim. Here in the UK though, it's also very difficult to claim any form of benefit for mental health issues as even though the government says it takes them as seriously as any other form of incapacity, off the record they will tell you that the chances of getting any money from the government for anxiety and depression is virtually impossible.


The hoops that you have to jump through are that many that most people just either don't even bother to put a claim in, or if they do they soon realise that they won't be able to do hat's asked of them so the claim will get turned away anyway and all they'll have done is made themselves and their health even worse by putting themselves under even more stress and pressure.

 

[RichE8475]

@nytegeek When I applied for benefits I filled out forms for both social security disability and SSI. I was able to secure a lawyer last week, and he feels that I have a good case to go in front of the review board. I know that if I do win my case the amount of money I will obtain, monthly, will not be even close to what I was making. However, at least I will have some income that can help with bills. I feel that I have been such a burden on my parents. They have been paying for all of my bills after my savings was drained. I just hope that I can at least pay them back with something.


WorkAtHomeGal I have developed an anxiety to checking my mail, a knock at the door, and even discontinued my cell phone service. I did this because I stressed so much about who or what is on the other side of those things. It seems that all I have are disappointments, and just the anxiety of answering the phone or opening the door would throw me into an anxiety attack. I hope that I am able to get passed this, but with everything going on with the government it does not seem to be likely. I hope that you are able to find some sort of help in Canada, My thoughts are with you.

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

Thank you find the kind words RichE8475. I sure hope you get the help you need too. I am right there with you I am to anxious to fill out the paperwork for welfare due to how they talked to me on the phone, it kind of leaves little hope at the end of the day. I really hope I get a therapist soon it is such a long wait, I am hoping this will help me... My thoughts are with you too.

 

[pwarbi]

Sometimes just filling in the forms and picking up the phone makes people feel worse and especially if your dealing with issues in your life anyway, that added stress is the last thing you need. IF like the government say people with mental health issues are being treated more sympathetically than they was before is true, then you would imagine there would be a better way to go about applying for certain benefits that wouldn't make you worse than hat you are but sadly that doesn't seem to be the case.


Instead of form filling or having to go for interviews then something can be put in place to be able to assess you at home and they could come to you, but again, that would cost money to employ people to do that and unfortunately money is more important than people in this day and age it seems.

 

[cinnamoos]

I also suffer from anxiety with agoraphobia, Rich and I know how awful and debilitating it can be. Just because you can "feed, clean, and bathe yourself" doesn't mean you can function and earn a livable wage on your own. I've been applying for years and still haven't gotten social security. I find it a little discriminatory that they are so hard on mental illness vs physical disability when it comes to social security checks. Hang in there! I hope your case goes well.

 

[RichE8475]

cinnamoos I, too, feel that the system does become a bit discriminatory. Mental illness is a huge topic in this country, and a lot of people do not want to understand what it is. I have heard so many people state that if someone has anxiety, depression, or even bi-polar disorder those individuals are wanting attention, and/or they are just lazy and want to use the system to have free money. I agree that there are those people out there, but a stereotype is then put into place. When I was first trying to obtain some type of assistance I was told that because I was a young white man there was nothing they could do for me. The part that hurts mostly is knowing that I am a college educated man that worked hard for what I had achieved. I, honestly, do not want to have social security and EBT. I will not even receive half of what I made in a month off of disability/ssi. My lawyer filed all the paper work needed to appeal their decision, and it can take up to a year to hear anything, I am just lucky to have parents that understand, and the fact that we own property.


I have been trying to obtain assistance, and social security for a year and a half now. My savings has been depleted, and my mother is paying for all of the utilities for my house. I am about to turn 41 in August, and I should not have to depend on her to take care of me. I wish I had the courage to take a stand, and somehow put a voice out there that Anxiety and Agoraphobia is a serious debilitating issue.

 

[aimeepoo]

I have no words to help but I do want to say that I am sorry you're going through this and I do hope that you are able to get benefits. I feel that mental health issues are not addressed as well as they should be and it makes me sad. I am agoraphobic as well and I am on SSD but have had it a long while now. The only thing I can suggest is to obtain a lawyer who will represent you. Big hugs to you!

 

[RichE8475]

Thank You aimeepoo , and I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with Agoraphobia. I was once on SSI and SSD, but once I finished my college education they took me off of it. Thank goodness for online learning, I think I have stated before that I am lucky to have a mom that works as an RN, and she makes enough money to pay my bills. Update, however, I have obtained a lawyer, and we have appealed social securities decision. We were denied on the second level because of my ability to feed, bathe, and communicate. I was denied as well because i was not able to go to the psychological appointment. My mother called them and explained again that I could not go to that appointment because it was 20 miles away. I would be so medicated if I even attempted to go, then I would be zonked out. Pray for me and my family, and I will do the same for you. I hope all is well with you .


By the way, I like your name aimeepoo , it makes me think of my aunt that passed away this past year. When I was younger she called me Richiepoo lol.

 

[aimeepoo]

Thank You aimeepoo , and I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with Agoraphobia. I was once on SSI and SSD, but once I finished my college education they took me off of it. Thank goodness for online learning, I think I have stated before that I am lucky to have a mom that works as an RN, and she makes enough money to pay my bills. Update, however, I have obtained a lawyer, and we have appealed social securities decision. We were denied on the second level because of my ability to feed, bathe, and communicate. I was denied as well because i was not able to go to the psychological appointment. My mother called them and explained again that I could not go to that appointment because it was 20 miles away. I would be so medicated if I even attempted to go, then I would be zonked out. Pray for me and my family, and I will do the same for you. I hope all is well with you .
By the way, I like your name aimeepoo , it makes me think of my aunt that passed away this past year. When I was younger she called me Richiepoo lol.

You're very welcome and I'm so sorry that they are giving you such hoops to jump through. I'm so glad you have your mother to help you out. That's a great thing that she is so helpful and supportive. I will definitely pray for you and your family. I am doing okay but have had a couple of bad days. That's so sweet that your aunt called you Richipoo lol. My uncle actually calls me aimeepoo and my grandpa did as well Thanks and take care!

 

[Pandora]

I am seriously thinking about getting a lawyer to aid my in my battle of getting SSI. However, I don't have the money to pay for one up front. I am wondering if their are lawyers out their that will try to win the case and then take their money out at the that time. If I remember correctly my grandmother had to hire a lawyer, win the case, and then the lawyer toke the money out of her SSI money. Does anyone know if that is still the case now days?

 

[RichE8475]

There are definitely lawyers Pandora that will help you up front. My mother has been working with this online firm, and they have been handling everything. The charge will be 25 % of what I receive, or max 6000. And that is only after winning. If He does not win my case I do not have to pay for anything. I will get the information from her and let you know what it is. we just were denied the second level of social security, so we are now appealing to actually go to a hearing. What I do not like is when you do the original application and level two a person that has no knowledge of your situation reads the report, and 9 times out of ten denies it. This is what makes our system stupid. They still do not seem to understand what agoraphobia is either. They are setting up a way for me to video conference with them for this next appeal. Hope all is well.

 

[SFOMH88]

When I was first trying to obtain some type of assistance I was told that because I was a young white man there was nothing they could do for me

Is... Is that even legal? I'm pretty sure you can take legal action if you were denied assistance because of your race. Where were you trying to obtain said assistance?


Also, have you ever seen a doctor before applying for disability? Usually when you have a record on paper it'll be a lot easier to get financial help like SSI.

 

[RichE8475]

SFOMH88 The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources told me that since I was a Man and I was White. The guy also said that if I was a minority or a pregnant woman I could get all the help I would want. I told him I was a gay man does that count, and he said no. However, to answer your next question, yes I see a psychiatrist and have my Family Doctor that has submitted tons of documentation. SSI/SSDI wants documentation from doctors in their network or whatever, and they want me to go 40 miles away to see these doctors. The problem with that is I am an agoraphobic person and I have certain boundaries I can go. I would have a full blown panic attack way before i would even get to the interstate to get there or I would be so drugged so I could go that they would not be able to even do the exam. My lawyers are now working on it, and they do not understand the problem. They have told me that people are have gotten disability for having a headache, and my case is one of the major ones. They are really shocked.


I now am waiting for the hearing, which I will be video conferenced into, in 7 months from now. I am just lucky that I own my house and my parents are paying my bills for the moment. It is a crazy thing.


Update on the DHHR thing though. We finally were able to get the doctors and DHHR working together and I was able to at least get Medical card and food assistance. Small steps and prayers.