Help For Dissabled

[Bisharoo]

I have a friend who has gotten physically worse and worse over the years. They have been trying to keep working and not go on any assistance, but it is getting too hard, and now they just want to give up on this life because they can't afford to live without working and everything hurts all the time so much.

So, I know that a large portion of our community is on disability or has someone who is on it, so PLEASE help. If you have any suggestions or helpful knowledge or information that would be a start.

Please send any information or thoughts as to how it all works, anything you guys can say to help would be appreciated.

[David1946]

I have a friend who has gotten physically worse and worse over the years. They have been trying to keep working and not go on any assistance, but it is getting too hard, and now they just want to give up on this life because they can't afford to live without working and everything hurts all the time so much.

So, I know that a large portion of our community is on disability or has someone who is on it, so PLEASE help. If you have any suggestions or helpful knowledge or information that would be a start.

Please send any information or thoughts as to how it all works, anything you guys can say to help would be appreciated.

 

If you cannot function physically because of injuries or...than you can't function, you can't work. Have your friend go to his Doctor and tell him that he can no longer work with the physical ailment he has and he will be filing for disability.

 

Hopefully he has a very long standing relationship with his Dr (not that it should matter as long as you have all records) but it does not sure they tell you that I don't recall but it can't hurt. I suffered a serious back injury that has required two major surgeries and countless injections. I filed for disability in early 07 and was awarded in early 08.

 

Documentation is crucial and the more he and his physicians have a better case for his disability can be presented.

 

With-out knowing what your friend is dealing with we can only give you general answers but you'll find some of the most knowledgeable people from all sectors of our society willing to help.

 

I wish your friend and you well as everyone in the community.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

[Bisharoo]

If you cannot function physically because of injuries or...than you can't function, you can't work. Have your friend go to his Doctor and tell him that he can no longer work with the physical ailment he has and he will be filing for disability.

 

Hopefully he has a very long standing relationship with his Dr (not that it should matter as long as you have all records) but it does not sure they tell you that I don't recall but it can't hurt. I suffered a serious back injury that has required two major surgeries and countless injections. I filed for disability in early 07 and was awarded in early 08.

 

Documentation is crucial and the more he and his physicians have a better case for his disability can be presented.

 

With-out knowing what your friend is dealing with we can only give you general answers but you'll find some of the most knowledgeable people from all sectors of our society willing to help.

 

I wish your friend and you well as everyone in the community.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thanks for your help and kind words my friend...

[Bisharoo]

I am trying not to tell too much so to keep a confidence, but one problem is no money and no insurance. They have a severe problem that has not been diagnosed by a licensed medical practitioner, but any layman would be able to see that it is a disabling problem. They do have many years of other issues, but again, they have thus far refused any public assistance, but with no options they just don't know where to go or what to do. They have been struggling mightily to continue supporting their family and have progressively gotten much worse so that some days it is almost impossible to perform their work and in great pain when doing it. They have been finally admitting that it is physically just too much to continue. But, I am afraid that unless they are able to pay a lot of money to get this done it will not get done. They are losing hope, and even Bisharoo is unable to encourage them much at all thus far. Both my friend and I are sure that things will work out eventually, just not maybe in this lifetime. So, I guess they are ok with this being the end because of no money and no health to work and not a lot of hope to get assistance, except from their friends, which they are beginning to refuse because they do not want to be a burden, but maybe there is some more that can be done...

[Retta]

From my own experience it is not wise to apply for SSD without medical records, I was denied in '08 for 'not enough medical records' I had no health insurance for 7 years so the only records I had were 2 hospital stays. It took until '10 for my appeal hearing and I had to borrow to live for 2 years. Also getting a social security lawyer helps.

[Bisharoo]

What I hear is more medical records and more money for lawyers. Thanks for the truth Retta.

[Bisharoo]

From my own experience it is not wise to apply for SSD without medical records, I was denied in '08 for 'not enough medical records' I had no health insurance for 7 years so the only records I had were 2 hospital stays. It took until '10 for my appeal hearing and I had to borrow to live for 2 years. Also getting a social security lawyer helps.

 

I forgot to add may peace and love envelope you and yours Retta, and thanks again for taking your time telling the truth...

[+Annnie]

I was under the impression that medicaid insurance would give emergency insurance coverage to ppl if they qualify.. even if they arent caring for children in the home.I am sending your friends love and prayers.. Blessings to all MM patients and caregivers..

[Bisharoo]

I was under the impression that medicaid insurance would give emergency insurance coverage to ppl if they qualify.. even if they arent caring for children in the home.I am sending your friends love and prayers.. Blessings to all MM patients and caregivers..

 

See, that's just it, because they have been trying to do the right thing always, they would not yet qualify because up until now they have been working, so all their records show that. If you are talking about qualifying for assistance based on need, it has not been there until now, so they would not qualify, based on that, but there is little or no money coming in for now and the future. So, I do not think they are qualified for that assistance but I would appreciate it if someone knows for sure I am wrong, because I would really love to be wrong about this. They need the help now, but I am sure they won't last a year or two or more for any assistance to show up. We are trying to do somethings for them but they are starting to refuse even food because they do not want to burden any others.

Thanks for your compassion for people you do not even know Annie. All the best to you...

[+Annnie]

Im not totally sure but i think if income is stopped and medical is needed they will cover..

I would call the FIA and they will tell. All the best to you too..

[Southern Cross]

I have a friend who has gotten physically worse and worse over the years. They have been trying to keep working and not go on any assistance, but it is getting too hard, and now they just want to give up on this life because they can't afford to live without working and everything hurts all the time so much.

So, I know that a large portion of our community is on disability or has someone who is on it, so PLEASE help. If you have any suggestions or helpful knowledge or information that would be a start.

Please send any information or thoughts as to how it all works, anything you guys can say to help would be appreciated.

Chronic pain is depressing enough, add the loss of ability to earn a living and things seem quite hopeless. Our society has decided that the socialist concept that humans have a right to basic economic security is right. Realizing that the poor and disabled will always be with us we have decided to provide assistance to them rather than making them beg in the street or visit Dr. Kevorkian. This assistance is funded by working individuals and is available to those individuals if and when they are no longer able to work. Thus disabled individuals in America can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help with the essentials of life. If an individual was fortunate enough to be healthy for a good portion of their life before becoming disabled and they worked and contributed to the federal insurance program called FICA through payroll withholding taxes then they can collect on that insurance by filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD). SSD payments are almost double that of SSI and provide for a reasonably comfortable existence.

 

Information on how to apply can be found on the Social Security website. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html

A lawyer is not required for the initial application, but is usually necessary. They require no money up front being paid from a portion of the benefits which begin accruing from the date the application is filed. Documentation of the disability is essential. If your friend has no medical benefits through their employer and can't afford to visit a doctor they can start with an emergency room visit. From there they will need to apply for state medicaid. Your friend needs to remember that it is their taxes that fund these programs. To not utilize these programs when one has a need is like putting money into a bank account with no intention of withdrawing it, or like not accepting an income tax refund.

 

After that it's up to the individual to decide how and how much they can and should give back to society to maintain their dignity. Volunteering to help others can be quite rewarding. A person who is ambulatory can help prepare meals for the homeless or deliver Meals on Wheels. Organizations like the United Way and the Salvation Army can suggest other volunteer opportunities. Or one can become a caregiver in Michigan's medical cannabis program and provide free or low cost medical cannabis to those who can't grow their own.

[northerngal]

As someone posted above, this friend is not going to be qualifying for SSDI (Disability) without any diagnoses or medical history. I can not see a way this person can receive help if they will not apply for assistance....you can't do it for them or force them. If their income is as low as you say, they are unable to work (you say its obvious) and have little assets they should qualify for help through the state. Not a choice many would choose, but dosen't sound like this person has much of a choice. I have personally assisted clients in the past with help getting medical coverage through different state and county programs. (different scenarios for each) I would begin by looking over the following website to see if they qualify for any of the "typical" medical programs or other assistance programs that are offered through the State of Michigan http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453---,00.html

 

I wish you luck trying to assist your friend, but you can not help those that are not willing to help themselves except through counsel and advise. (don't mean to sound harsh there, just saying reality is if they aren't willing to ask for the help, they won't get it) So course of action in my opinion, would be to apply for medical insurance through the state, get a doctor established and medical problem diagnosed and treated, then if the medical condition warrants disability and you have a doctor who agrees.....sign up for it then. But a word of advise. Don't wait for long, if the person has recently left there job and is not working, disability amount is determined by a credit system and the longer the person is not paying into S.S. the less they will eventually get. So waiting to get the ball rolling works against them.

 

Again, I wish you good luck assisting your friend. Hopefully they realize what a good friend they have in you and will take some much needed advise!!

[wingnut]

Chronic pain is depressing enough, add the loss of ability to earn a living and things seem quite hopeless. Our society has decided that the socialist concept that humans have a right to basic economic security is right. Realizing that the poor and disabled will always be with us we have decided to provide assistance to them rather than making them beg in the street or visit Dr. Kevorkian. This assistance is funded by working individuals and is available to those individuals if and when they are no longer able to work. Thus disabled individuals in America can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help with the essentials of life. If an individual was fortunate enough to be healthy for a good portion of their life before becoming disabled and they worked and contributed to the federal insurance program called FICA through payroll withholding taxes then they can collect on that insurance by filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD). SSD payments are almost double that of SSI and provide for a reasonably comfortable existence.

 

Information on how to apply can be found on the Social Security website. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html

A lawyer is not required for the initial application, but is usually necessary. They require no money up front being paid from a portion of the benefits which begin accruing from the date the application is filed. Documentation of the disability is essential. If your friend has no medical benefits through their employer and can't afford to visit a doctor they can start with an emergency room visit. From there they will need to apply for state medicaid. Your friend needs to remember that it is their taxes that fund these programs. To not utilize these programs when one has a need is like putting money into a bank account with no intention of withdrawing it, or like not accepting an income tax refund.

 

After that it's up to the individual to decide how and how much they can and should give back to society to maintain their dignity. Volunteering to help others can be quite rewarding. A person who is ambulatory can help prepare meals for the homeless or deliver Meals on Wheels. Organizations like the United Way and the Salvation Army can suggest other volunteer opportunities. Or one can become a caregiver in Michigan's medical cannabis program and provide free or low cost medical cannabis to those who can't grow their own.

Good information , With out records I would think it would be hard getting SSD. Medicaid and FIA might help if you have limited income and resources . I got denied at first , and did appeal with a lawyer , took three years , but won in front of the judge . It is not a easy process , and you may want to just say see ya cruel world .

[Bisharoo]

Good information , With out records I would think it would be hard getting SSD. Medicaid and FIA might help if you have limited income and resources . I got denied at first , and did appeal with a lawyer , took three years , but won in front of the judge . It is not a easy process , and you may want to just say see ya cruel world .

 

Ok, thanks for all the advice everyone. See ya...

[northerngal]

Good information , With out records I would think it would be hard getting SSD. Medicaid and FIA might help if you have limited income and resources . I got denied at first , and did appeal with a lawyer , took three years , but won in front of the judge . It is not a easy process , and you may want to just say see ya cruel world .

 

 

One may feel like saying it, but that is never the answer. I suppose there were a few ways of interpeting that, but I truly hope you weren't suggesting someone do that.....and that you were merely saying that one may FEEL like saying that.

[wingnut]

One may feel like saying it, but that is never the answer. I suppose there were a few ways of interpeting that, but I truly hope you weren't suggesting someone do that.....and that you were merely saying that one may FEEL like saying that.

 

Yeah, after I reread that end note, I did realize it could be taken wrong . I'm sorry if it sounded that I would suggest doing anything like suicide , but with all the crap they put you threw, I must admit I did think that way some times, but I did git help with that problem. Happy Holidays! everyone .

[drtarzanmd]

Yeah, after I reread that end note, I did realize it could be taken wrong . I'm sorry if it sounded that I would suggest doing anything like suicide , but with all the crap they put you threw, I must admit I did think that way some times, but I did git help with that problem. Happy Holidays! everyone .

 

I had to wait 3 years to get mine ....

 

and trust me ... I did think about it ...

 

and even was putting it into action ...

 

Thank God things Got Better ....

 

Merry Christmas to You and Yours

[northerngal]

Thank you for clarifying. I know things can get tough, but killing oneslef is NEVER the answer.....EVER I was hoping that you weren't suggesting someone "off themself" rather than seek help I always like to keep in mind, although sometimes difficult, that no matter how bad ones situation is, there is always someone out there in a worse one. Years ago, when my disease was at its worst, my specialist told me "There's nothing else we can do, your body is beginning to shut down", I went home, cried for a few days and felt sorry for myself, even went as far as writing my own eulogy, it took a little intervention on my families part, but I realized that I couldn't give up on myself. The doctor may have been giving up, but it wasn't his life to fight for, he had very little invested. In my process of fighting for life, I met so many beautiful individuals that were fighting twice as hard, some were just little children and I asked myself how can I give up on life when these little ones are fighting so hard to hold on. No matter how bad life may seem, theres always someone out there whose situation is worse, when I was down and out, I sought out those people....It made me focus on someone elses suffering and pain and it helped me forget my own. When one gives up on themself and believes theres nothing left to live for, please do not give up, seek help....while so many are fighting for there lives, its only selfish to take the "easy way out". Keep in mind what/who you are leaving behind and how they are going to feel. For me, all it takes is a visit to the childrens oncology ward (which I need to make soon) to make me remember that life is worth the fight, even if it dosen't feel like it at the moment!!

[Croppled1]

Yeah, after I reread that end note, I did realize it could be taken wrong . I'm sorry if it sounded that I would suggest doing anything like suicide , but with all the crap they put you threw, I must admit I did think that way some times, but I did git help with that problem. Happy Holidays! everyone .

I am not that together tonight so i hope I am not stating erroneous facts . However I believe I know these simple things that may help . You need 2 doctors to verfify a inhabillity to work for a year or more .

 

Best Bet find a sliding fee based community clinic to start a relationship with and be frank about money availabillity and all issues both medical and psychological resulting from not being able to do substanative work to support oneself and or care for oneself ( you want to be careful not to get diverted to foster care though ) . Then ask them for a specialist that may treat on the same basis or at a hospital that has a program for those without funds to carry the costs for the second doc , Almost all types of Docs have some who will work on sliding scales . It takes patience the Catholic Ones ( often now not affiliated but have a history ) are often the best choice in Michigan .

 

Then use a professional Court advocate to approach the court . I prefer a non attorney but paralegal like DSI , Binder and Binder that you know has a relationship with the Flint SSD Court( has dealt with them many times before ) , and be prepared for a 3 year battle worst case ( if they force you to a trial work period instead of being able to count your last attempts ) if your friend is qualified . It takes time but when your sick its better to face that head on right away becuase the situation isnt going away > Not being mean but a person knows there not going to improve usually so they need to work on it now . They also need to have worked enough quarters . They can learn that by calling SSD and asking and obtaining a projected benefit summary . Good Luck its allot of work thats why a advocate is worth it . They do all that and if they dont win you dont pay .Providing they took your case and you need some Doctors records and 2 recommendations for that .

 

Nothing wrong with asking for help and letting them be part of the process .Remember you paid for this insurance its not a hand out !

 

http://www.yellowpages.com/novi-mi/mip/ssdc-disability-services-2880971

 

http://www.ssdcservices.com/channel_landing.aspx?id=152

[Bisharoo]

Well, that is plenty of information. I think that will probably do. May the human beings be allowed to live free. You folks have all been very nice. Thanks to all who are helping other individual human beings. I wish you all the best for the future. Take care of each other, and may you all live long and prosper...

[rockinlespaul]

I'm kinda sorta in the same boat, but not.....and I seriously do not know what I'm going to do.

 

I've worked all my life. Since I was 15. I've been a heavy suspension mechanic for a very prominant auto repair facility in the metro Detroit area for 16 years and my body hurts. I'm 45 years old. I was laid off from my job the last day of March of this year. A year prior to being laid off I hurt my back at work but blew it off and started eating pain pills to help. I did not want to lose my job. My boss was cool about my mmj card but told me if I ever hurt myself she had no control over anything if I tried to file a disability claim. Long story short...I just never said anything anytime I got hurt.

 

Now I wouldn't normally do this but I guess its necessary to tell my story....

 

My debilitating condition is Hep C. I was going to the U of M but stopped 3 years ago after the doc told me he wanted me to get a liver biopsy and do the treatment. I don't want to do it because quite frankly, I'm afraid. I honestly don't think my body can handle it. I'm not the man I use to be. I was a healthy strong big 200 pound guy in my 20's and now I'm a frail 150 lb. man.

 

Doc told me I have one of 3 types out of 6 that can be treated AND cured, but like I said, honestly I don't think I can handle it.

 

I am a recovering alcoholic so my liver has seen some damage no doubt but I quit drinking 7 years ago August 18th of this past year.

 

Now I'm unemployed, but am collecting unemployment, have no insurance, a blown out back and hep C. I'm single so I cannot get any help since I do have a income. There is no way I can go back to work doing what I've been doing for the last 16 years.

 

Obviously I have no past medical records for my back, but do for my debilitating condition. If anyone has ANY ideas please let me know. I have a blown out leg(broke in 5 places)with metal plates from a old ski injury and a blown out left shoulder from an old seperation years ago as well if it matters at all.

 

Do I have any chance in hell to get disability? I will definetely get a lawyer if needed.

 

 

 

Bish, I honestly hope your friends get the help they need. They are in my prayers.

[lkline300]

I'm kinda sorta in the same boat, but not.....and I seriously do not know what I'm going to do.

 

I've worked all my life. Since I was 15. I've been a heavy suspension mechanic for a very prominant auto repair facility in the metro Detroit area for 16 years and my body hurts. I'm 45 years old. I was laid off from my job the last day of March of this year. A year prior to being laid off I hurt my back at work but blew it off and started eating pain pills to help. I did not want to lose my job. My boss was cool about my mmj card but told me if I ever hurt myself she had no control over anything if I tried to file a disability claim. Long story short...I just never said anything anytime I got hurt.

 

Now I wouldn't normally do this but I guess its necessary to tell my story....

 

My debilitating condition is Hep C. I was going to the U of M but stopped 3 years ago after the doc told me he wanted me to get a liver biopsy and do the treatment. I don't want to do it because quite frankly, I'm afraid. I honestly don't think my body can handle it. I'm not the man I use to be. I was a healthy strong big 200 pound guy in my 20's and now I'm a frail 150 lb. man.

 

Doc told me I have one of 3 types out of 6 that can be treated AND cured, but like I said, honestly I don't think I can handle it.

 

I am a recovering alcoholic so my liver has seen some damage no doubt but I quit drinking 7 years ago August 18th of this past year.

 

Now I'm unemployed, but am collecting unemployment, have no insurance, a blown out back and hep C. I'm single so I cannot get any help since I do have a income. There is no way I can go back to work doing what I've been doing for the last 16 years.

 

Obviously I have no past medical records for my back, but do for my debilitating condition. If anyone has ANY ideas please let me know. I have a blown out leg(broke in 5 places)with metal plates from a old ski injury and a blown out left shoulder from an old seperation years ago as well if it matters at all.

 

Do I have any chance in hell to get disability? I will definetely get a lawyer if needed.

 

 

 

Bish, I honestly hope your friends get the help they need. They are in my prayers.

 

 

To you & bish both I feel your pain.

 

This is exactly where I was about 5 years back. I worked as long as I could. Same illness, same injury.

 

You just have to get that first x-ray, mri, whatever on the back. Find a local clinic, maybe one with a sliding scale. Once you have some documentation of the need for medical attention you can get the help you need through agency's like FIA.

 

Rock, you defiantly have a claim if you can't work. Star the ball rolling as soon as possible. They deny almost everyone the first time around. The hep c symptoms can be debilitating depending on where your at. It did play a role with my claim. But think hard about the TX, Its only 48 weeks & could save you a decade or 2. Mine was not the phenotype that does well with the treatment but I had to try.

 

A functional capacity test is the best evidence I brought with me to the ss hearing. I wish I had it when I submitted my claim. It is performed by a physical or occupational therapist and tests your physical capability to work.

 

Things were tough for that 3 years waiting for my claim. You have to get back to basics & do what you have to to survive. I paid into those funds that help people in these situations for 30 + years. I know all about pride & the like but if you need them use them. Its what they're there for. Having people even pondering that it may not be worth the hassle is sad, I understand it. but its not right. There are some that live off the system all their lives & don't care. Then when someone who has worked needs it they have to feel bad about using it.

 

Like everything else we get through it with a little help from our friends.

 

I failed the chemo but I aced the social security hearing. 15 minutes with the judge & he issued a bench ruling in my favor. My lawyer never said a word other than to introduce himself.

 

If anyone has any questions about either just ask. I'd be glad to help.

[rockinlespaul]

To you & bish both I feel your pain.

 

This is exactly where I was about 5 years back. I worked as long as I could. Same illness, same injury.

 

You just have to get that first x-ray, mri, whatever on the back. Find a local clinic, maybe one with a sliding scale. Once you have some documentation of the need for medical attention you can get the help you need through agency's like FIA.

 

Rock, you defiantly have a claim if you can't work. Star the ball rolling as soon as possible. They deny almost everyone the first time around. The hep c symptoms can be debilitating depending on where your at. It did play a role with my claim. But think hard about the TX, Its only 48 weeks & could save you a decade or 2. Mine was not the phenotype that does well with the treatment but I had to try.

 

A functional capacity test is the best evidence I brought with me to the ss hearing. I wish I had it when I submitted my claim. It is performed by a physical or occupational therapist and tests your physical capability to work.

 

Things were tough for that 3 years waiting for my claim. You have to get back to basics & do what you have to to survive. I paid into those funds that help people in these situations for 30 + years. I know all about pride & the like but if you need them use them. Its what they're there for. Having people even pondering that it may not be worth the hassle is sad, I understand it. but its not right. There are some that live off the system all their lives & don't care. Then when someone who has worked needs it they have to feel bad about using it.

 

Like everything else we get through it with a little help from our friends.

 

I failed the chemo but I aced the social security hearing. 15 minutes with the judge & he issued a bench ruling in my favor. My lawyer never said a word other than to introduce himself.

 

If anyone has any questions about either just ask. I'd be glad to help.

 

Thank you so much for this post. You have me smiling and crying at the same time. I would really love to talk to you in detail about this soon if its possible. Again...thank you.