I couldn't find a better place for this on Psych Central, so I'll post it here.

I'm at a point where I'd like to give volunteering a chance again. I haven't done anything during the daytime for quite a while because of my mental health issues this past year plus. I feel I may be able to now commit to something very part-time, like four to MAYBE six hours per week during the daytime. I've been lonely and think getting out would do me good and be a step forward.

My past volunteer attempts outside my home (quite a while ago) were very short-lived either because of mood episodes developing, anxiety, or the extreme unpleasantness of the tasks they gave me. I want something at least slightly better and close to home.

I noticed that my local Intensive Outpatient location offers volunteer opportunities. I'm thinking about contacting them about them. However, I wonder if it's a good idea. The location is very close to my home (even walking-distance), seems to have opportunities of interest, and is an environment I believe I'd be comfortable in (not triggering, despite the place's purpose). My reservations are whether they'd hire a volunteer whose been there as a patient many times (though not for eight years) and who is still on disability. Some staff there may remember me.

Here's another question (maybe a silly one):

You don't think they'd contact SS to tell them that I'm volunteering there? If I ever am.

I don't know that my husband would like the idea of me volunteering there. I haven't mentioned this idea to him, but feel I don't have to necessarily ask his permission. I'm in my 40s. I'm not a teenager.

Does anyone have thoughts on above? Answers?

Thank you

[tecomsin]

I'm not in the US so can't say if Social Security would be contacted or you would be asked at some point to report your volunteering hours but if it is only a few hours a week I doubt it could have any impact on your evaluation. Someone who has volunteered on SS disability would know the answer.

Volunteering can have many positive impacts and you would also have a unique perspective since you had been a patient there too. Eight years is a long time and I would hope they would not hold your previous status against you in applying.

[Travelinglady]

I suggest you see if they will take you on. You certainly understand the ropes. I don't think SS cares if we volunteer. I'd like to do some volunteer work, too.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'd go for it, BirdDancer I don't think you have anything to lose by trying it out. It'd have lots of positive effects on you. Unfortunately I don't know about SS, maybe you can ask someone who has had a similar experience to yours? If you know one, of course. But aside from that, I think it's worth giving it a shot. Don't give up! Let us know how it goes. Remember that we care about you and we'll support you however it goes. Sending many hugs

[Wild Coyote]

Hi! Great question.

There's always the possibility SSA can check into your activities/activity level, of course.

I'm suggesting you have either your pdoc or primary care
(or both) write the volunteering into your treatment plan, listing it's potentially positive effects. This would likely cover you should your claim be investigated.

I do this for any regular activity, including things like going to the gym and/or using an inside track for walking, walking at the mall, etc. It's all a part of a documented treatment plan, "prescribed" by a physician.

Just a thought.

Good luck with this venture!


WC

Thanks, everyone!

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Hi! Great question.

There's always the possibility SSA can check into your activities/activity level, of course.

I'm suggesting you have either your pdoc or primary care
(or both) write the volunteering into your treatment plan, listing it's potentially positive effects. This would likely cover you should your claim be investigated.

I do this for any regular activity, including things like going to the gym and/or using an inside track for walking, walking at the mall, etc. It's all a part of a documented treatment plan, "prescribed" by a physician.

Just a thought.

Good luck with this venture!


WC

That sounds like a great idea, WC! I don't think I'd need to give it to the IOP, though. Do you? Maybe just if/when I get another CDR frim SS.

I actually don't think the IOP volunteer coordinator would even have the right to ask me if I am on disability. Do you? If she did, I wonder what I should say.

I believe the volunteering would be no more than 3 hours per week. That's what it was when I attempted to volunteer at the general hospital years back, which is coordinated by the same people.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

I couldn't find a better place for this on Psych Central, so I'll post it here.

I'm at a point where I'd like to give volunteering a chance again. I haven't done anything during the daytime for quite a while because of my mental health issues this past year plus. I feel I may be able to now commit to something very part-time, like four to MAYBE six hours per week during the daytime. I've been lonely and think getting out would do me good and be a step forward.

My past volunteer attempts outside my home (quite a while ago) were very short-lived either because of mood episodes developing, anxiety, or the extreme unpleasantness of the tasks they gave me. I want something at least slightly better and close to home.

I noticed that my local Intensive Outpatient location offers volunteer opportunities. I'm thinking about contacting them about them. However, I wonder if it's a good idea. The location is very close to my home (even walking-distance), seems to have opportunities of interest, and is an environment I believe I'd be comfortable in (not triggering, despite the place's purpose). My reservations are whether they'd hire a volunteer whose been there as a patient many times (though not for eight years) and who is still on disability. Some staff there may remember me.

Here's another question (maybe a silly one):

You don't think they'd contact SS to tell them that I'm volunteering there? If I ever am.

I don't know that my husband would like the idea of me volunteering there. I haven't mentioned this idea to him, but feel I don't have to necessarily ask his permission. I'm in my 40s. I'm not a teenager.

Does anyone have thoughts on above? Answers?

Thank you

No they won’t report to social security.

I say go for it.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Thanks, everyone!


That sounds like a great idea, WC! I don't think I'd need to give it to the IOP, though. Do you? Maybe just if/when I get another CDR frim SS.

I actually don't think the IOP volunteer coordinator would even have the right to ask me if I am on disability. Do you? If she did, I wonder what I should say.

I believe the volunteering would be no more than 3 hours per week. That's what it was when I attempted to volunteer at the general hospital years back, which is coordinated by the same people.

I cover my bases this way because I have been repeatedly investigated, especially the first 10 years of my claim. I have been investigated since. This isn't paranoia. I've had neighbors interviewed, have had investigators sitting outside of my home, etc. (I have called the police and they arrive and the police end up telling me it is an investigator sitting out there, etc. My H has also gone out and has asked them who they are and what they want? Other people have confirmed these incidents for me.)

This is why I have certain activities written into my treatment plan(s).

I do not tell SSA about my activities, per se; yet, if they happen to look into my activities, I am covered by my treatment plan.

The IOP center is not likely to report you.
You don't have an obligation to tell the IOP about your disability.

I hope this venture works out well for you.


WC

[BipolaRNurse]

I don't think SSA needs to know anything about volunteering---just paid work. Which, if you can handle that, you may be able to hold a real job, especially if it's part-time and low-stress. I say go for it.

[downandlonely]

I'm not on disability, but I was under the impression that volunteering and going to school are ok. You can even work part time as long as your income is under a certain amount. I think volunteering is a great idea. It really helps me to have a routine.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I volunteered for a while. it was good for me.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

I cover my bases this way because I have been repeatedly investigated, especially the first 10 years of my claim. I have been investigated since. This isn't paranoia. I've had neighbors interviewed, have had investigators sitting outside of my home, etc. (I have called the police and they arrive and the police end up telling me it is an investigator sitting out there, etc. My H has also gone out and has asked them who they are and what they want? Other people have confirmed these incidents for me.)


This is why I have certain activities written into my treatment plan(s).


I do not tell SSA about my activities, per se; yet, if they happen to look into my activities, I am covered by my treatment plan.


The IOP center is not likely to report you.

You don't have an obligation to tell the IOP about your disability.


I hope this venture works out well for you.




WC

OMG !! That is insane. So sorry you and your H have had to deal with all of it ‘ crazy !!!

[tecomsin]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

OMG !! That is insane. So sorry you and your H have had to deal with all of it ‘ crazy !!!

There's a lot of suspicion of mental illness and people who are mentally ill. This is one of the ways it plays itself out. I agree it is insane.

[Tucson]

I would not think having the doctor basically “prescribe” activity would mean anything as far as volunteering for a job goes. Since this will not be reported to SS anyway, it becomes mute. Technically speaking, if you can volunteer for weekly work, then IMO they can see you being able to do this for money. I think the problem would be if you were volunteering your time beyond what SS would permit if it was an actual job. However, this does not mean SS would actually think this way. This is just one way to look at this situation.

I have never been investigated. My case has never been reviewed by SS. I have been on disability for over 15 years. So maybe my perspective on this is different for these reasons. So the usual disclaimer applies, IMHO and FWIW.