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miszward809
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Default Jul 09, 2012 at 05:22 PM
  #1
Hello,

Is SSI/SSD really worth it? I recently moved to Kansas and was told by my local SRS office that I should apply for disability due to my mental disorders (Bipolar/Schizophrenia). When I lived in Texas I was told the same thing. My only issue is I am only 19 and I don't want to live off the government but I have a hard time coping with my symptoms and holding down a job is hard for me. I worked at McDonalds for a month but had to quit because of my mental disorders. They said it could take years to get it, which is understandable. But what is SSI/SSD even used for? I don't really understand what it is supposed to be used for.
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Default Jul 11, 2012 at 05:13 AM
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In my opinion, I feel that a lot of people are taking the easy way out and getting SSI/SSDI when they truly can work, but don't want to deal with a job and its responsibilities..... I am sure that there is something out there that may be low stress jobs....I am considered " high functioning" as I CAN hold down a job, raise a family, run a household.....and manage my illness on a daily basis.... There are times when I want to take the easy way out and do nothing and collect money for it..... But in reality, I know that it would not be the road that I want to travel down..... Buty like I said this is just my opinion..... Good Luck with whatever you choose....
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Default Jul 15, 2012 at 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by mommyof2girls View Post
In my opinion, I feel that a lot of people are taking the easy way out and getting SSI/SSDI when they truly can work, but don't want to deal with a job and its responsibilities..... I am sure that there is something out there that may be low stress jobs....I am considered " high functioning" as I CAN hold down a job, raise a family, run a household.....and manage my illness on a daily basis.... There are times when I want to take the easy way out and do nothing and collect money for it..... But in reality, I know that it would not be the road that I want to travel down..... Buty like I said this is just my opinion..... Good Luck with whatever you choose....
It's different when it's your life and your opinion on it, ie not wanting to go on disability because you don't need it. That's a positive thing, and I'm glad you're able to do that.

But judging other people, especially on a public forum specifically for health issues is kind of rude, sorry. To get disability benefits you need to be examined by a doctor, often more than one, so I don't think you really know better than them how much a person can function in a job environment, especially since because of the economy a lot of the jobs available are high stress and low pay.

Going on government benefits isn't "the easy way out"! It can be hard and stressful to be on them, and trust me when I say the vast majority of us would rather be healthy and working! But unfortunately, we can't, and we still need to pay our rent, feed our kids, etc, just like you.
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Default Jul 21, 2012 at 12:16 PM
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It's different when it's your life and your opinion on it, ie not wanting to go on disability because you don't need it. That's a positive thing, and I'm glad you're able to do that.

But judging other people, especially on a public forum specifically for health issues is kind of rude, sorry. To get disability benefits you need to be examined by a doctor, often more than one, so I don't think you really know better than them how much a person can function in a job environment, especially since because of the economy a lot of the jobs available are high stress and low pay.

Going on government benefits isn't "the easy way out"! It can be hard and stressful to be on them, and trust me when I say the vast majority of us would rather be healthy and working! But unfortunately, we can't, and we still need to pay our rent, feed our kids, etc, just like you.
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Unhappy Jul 21, 2012 at 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by mommyof2girls View Post
In my opinion, I feel that a lot of people are taking the easy way out and getting SSI/SSDI when they truly can work, but don't want to deal with a job and its responsibilities..... I am sure that there is something out there that may be low stress jobs....I am considered " high functioning" as I CAN hold down a job, raise a family, run a household.....and manage my illness on a daily basis.... There are times when I want to take the easy way out and do nothing and collect money for it..... But in reality, I know that it would not be the road that I want to travel down..... Buty like I said this is just my opinion..... Good Luck with whatever you choose....
It is a blessing that you are able to handle all the elements of your life, including holding a job, but not everyone is blessed in that way. For you to dismiss people you don't even know as choosing to take the "easy way out" is rather cold and judgmental. Perhaps, unless you have gone through the process of having struggled with employment, then applying for much needed assistance....only to be put through months ~years of jumping through hoops of every kind, with your future on hold in the meantime, you might want to reserve judgement......
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Cool Sep 12, 2012 at 02:07 AM
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It is a blessing that you are able to handle all the elements of your life, including holding a job, but not everyone is blessed in that way. For you to dismiss people you don't even know as choosing to take the "easy way out" is rather cold and judgmental. Perhaps, unless you have gone through the process of having struggled with employment, then applying for much needed assistance....only to be put through months ~years of jumping through hoops of every kind, with your future on hold in the meantime, you might want to reserve judgement......

Last time I checked, I am entitled to my own opinion...And yes I am very blessed and hold my head very high in knowing that I can handle every day life and also having a job, (nothing to ever feel bad about).... And I am allowed to post my opinions just like evryone else in this forum..... If someone doesn't like what I post then move on.....
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Default Sep 12, 2012 at 02:32 AM
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Last time I checked, I am entitled to my own opinion...And yes I am very blessed and hold my head very high in knowing that I can handle every day life and also having a job, (nothing to ever feel bad about).... And I am allowed to post my opinions just like evryone else in this forum..... If someone doesn't like what I post then move on.....
If you're going to post generalizations about how people applying for disability in general are taking 'the easy way' out...then I'd think you ought to expect counter opinions in response. Your right to post your opinion does not negate the right of others to post their counter opinion or disagreement with your opinion...nor does them doing so bar you from expressing your opinion. Hey, as you say if you don't like what someone posts move on...right?

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Default Sep 12, 2012 at 02:48 AM
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If you're going to post generalizations about how people applying for disability in general are taking 'the easy way' out...then I'd think you ought to expect counter opinions in response. Your right to post your opinion does not negate the right of others to post their counter opinion or disagreement with your opinion...nor does them doing so bar you from expressing your opinion. Hey, as you say if you don't like what someone posts move on...right?


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Default Sep 17, 2012 at 04:40 PM
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Last time I checked, I am entitled to my own opinion...And yes I am very blessed and hold my head very high in knowing that I can handle every day life and also having a job, (nothing to ever feel bad about).... And I am allowed to post my opinions just like evryone else in this forum..... If someone doesn't like what I post then move on.....
Yes, you are entitled to your own opinion. But there is a difference between "opinion" and "facts." It is a FACT that disability is NOT the "easy way out"--it is not just our opinions on this. It is a FACT that there are some people who cannot work--that's why there is disability. It is a FACT that disability is not the same as welfare. And no one ever said that having a job is something to be ashamed of. But the way you came across in your other post made you sound very judgemental, and that those are disabled did have something to be ashamed of!
....and as Laina said, it's different when its your life.

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Last edited by shortandcute; Sep 17, 2012 at 04:44 PM.. Reason: wanted to add something
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Default Sep 17, 2012 at 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by mommyof2girls View Post
Last time I checked, I am entitled to my own opinion...And yes I am very blessed and hold my head very high in knowing that I can handle every day life and also having a job, (nothing to ever feel bad about).... And I am allowed to post my opinions just like evryone else in this forum..... If someone doesn't like what I post then move on.....
Uh.....Did I say you should feel bad about having a job?? Well, just to straighten out the obvious confusion, what I DID say is that it is a blessing that you are able to do so. And excuse me, but if we choose to respond before we "move on", we are "allowed" to do that......
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Default Sep 21, 2012 at 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by mommyof2girls View Post
Last time I checked, I am entitled to my own opinion...And yes I am very blessed and hold my head very high in knowing that I can handle every day life and also having a job, (nothing to ever feel bad about).... And I am allowed to post my opinions just like evryone else in this forum..... If someone doesn't like what I post then move on.....

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Default Jul 11, 2012 at 11:40 PM
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I applied for both with the help of my social worker because I'm not as functional as I used to be, even at a low stress job. I landed two jobs recently, one as a busser/hostess at a cafe and the other at a dog daycare. I HAD to drop the cafe job; I almost walked out, was extremely stressed out and ready to lose it. If I went back I know I would go through that again and lose it on someone and I'm not even talking about the customers either.Basically I don't need to be arrested again.
The second job at the dog daycare would seen easy because I work with dogs and I used to work at one before. This one is just very dysfunctional and I work 6 hours a day with one 15.minute break. My old dog daycare, I worked 4.5 hours a day. So I'm on my feet all day, no chairs, on concrete floors. This does a ridiculous number on my body. Just interviewed for a bookstore job and got hired so I will be giving up the dig daycare since they don't offer part time hours. The bookstore is more accommodating.
I'm praying that the bookstore works out for me because I seriously need the money to afford a pdoc and therapist.
If you were advised to apply then apply if you feel that your mental illness is affecting your ability to work. But be advised that it does take long and a lot of people recommend a disability attorney. They don't collect any money till you're awarded disability. Some will even preview your case for you before proceeding through applying for disability.
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Default Jul 12, 2012 at 09:19 AM
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I applied for both with the help of my social worker because I'm not as functional as I used to be, even at a low stress job. I landed two jobs recently, one as a busser/hostess at a cafe and the other at a dog daycare. I HAD to drop the cafe job; I almost walked out, was extremely stressed out and ready to lose it. If I went back I know I would go through that again and lose it on someone and I'm not even talking about the customers either.Basically I don't need to be arrested again.
I haven't been arrested yet...but that is one of my issues is I can lose it on people due to my PTSD which has if anything only gotten worse. I mean I have already freaked out on family members and had a pretty bad freak out at my friends house. So what's to stop me from freaking out on other employees or customers if I get set off? So I can kind of understand that issue.
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Thumbs up Jul 12, 2012 at 04:15 PM
  #14
I have PTSD,Depression and physical limitations. I was making $32 an hour but spent most of the day regrouping and fixing things I messed up due to flash backs and lack of concentration. I saw everybody walking down the street or just driving by as a threat and some times even yelled at people that had nothing to do with what I was doing. I am truly scared that I wil end up in jail or the hospital for losing it and becoming violent.
Even scarier is going to pdoc or any pdoc and not being a basket case at the time, and being labeled a faker. If forced to return to work(if I can get a job) especially during these lean times. It is inevitable I will at some point lose it all together and hurt someone and myself. I 48 and damaged goods nobody's going to hire a liability like me. I can only see 2 alternatives crime or suicide and I won't make it in jail so that would be a death penalty. It's a plus your doctor told you too apply because he does understand. Don't be ashamed your very young and have a lot of time to get help. I waited 48 miserable years to get help and I barley holding on.
Get the help and take the financial assitance till you get better, a lot of patients have ended up becoming therapists.
Good Luck.....
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Default Sep 11, 2012 at 12:58 PM
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Even scarier is going to pdoc or any pdoc and not being a basket case at the time, and being labeled a faker.
I feel like if I went to a doctor or psychiatrist and they implied I was a faker I'd probably lose it on them right there. If that's not a major trigger for my rage mode I don't know what is.

Maybe they'd find it less fake when their office is destroyed, and I have a concussion from punching myself in the head. I don't take it well when people say things like that to me......bad childhood memories of being in actual distress only to be accused of faking or exaggerating so now it sets me the hell off.
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Default Sep 18, 2012 at 03:48 PM
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....bad childhood memories of being in actual distress only to be accused of faking or exaggerating so now it sets me the hell off.
same. same.
and mostly by the mouths of my parents were the accusations.

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Default Jul 12, 2012 at 09:11 AM
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If your mental disorders prevent you from holding a job, I would apply for it. I am 22 and considering it because I have tried working and my mental issues interfered too much with all three jobs I attempted even the work study job my first year of college and that wasn't even hard work or fast paced.

Speaking of that the mental issues also are the main reason I dropped out of college. Besides the way I see it society is flawed...so the least it can do is help those of us who cannot function in it with a little something to live on...which is basically what SSI is. Or in the case of SSDI it would be what you've earned in Social Security or whatever by working.

But if you do apply for it try not to get down on yourself about it, I know it can be hard especially with a lot of the political rhetoric about how people who need financial help and such are just 'leeches' or whatever. But it's not worth it......you're not a lesser person for needing help.

Also it does not have to be a permanent thing as far as I Know, you could apply and get on it for a while until you could find a job you could function in or maybe in the future your symptoms would improve some or be easier to manage and you could work.
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Default Jul 14, 2012 at 02:00 PM
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mommyof2girls, you have obviously never tried getting disability, because if you did, you would know that it is not the "easy way out." It can take several years sometimes, and the hoops you have to jump through to get it often make it more stressful than holding down a job, which is why there are a lot of people who should be on disability that just work instead.

I used to also think the way you do--even tho there have been people--including physicians!!!--who have told me that I needed to be on it.

But I have lost the few jobs I was able to get because of my disabilities. Some jobs I lost after one hour, some after a few days, etc--and not because I didn't want to work, either! But because my supervisors could see that I couldnt handle and didnt have the time or patience to deal with me. Of course, that doesnt look good on a resume', which makes it difficult to find another job. In the meantime, I have had to resort to prostitution, living with men who abused me, and having kids so I could get on welfare--all because I didn't want to "take the easy way out," but couldnt hold down a job either! (Right now, we are living on survivors benefist that are supposed to be for my daughter only--her dad was disabled and died a few years ago.)
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Default Jul 20, 2012 at 11:28 PM
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Hello,

Is SSI/SSD really worth it? I recently moved to Kansas and was told by my local SRS office that I should apply for disability due to my mental disorders (Bipolar/Schizophrenia). When I lived in Texas I was told the same thing. My only issue is I am only 19 and I don't want to live off the government but I have a hard time coping with my symptoms and holding down a job is hard for me. I worked at McDonalds for a month but had to quit because of my mental disorders. They said it could take years to get it, which is understandable. But what is SSI/SSD even used for? I don't really understand what it is supposed to be used for.
Clearly I don't know your circumstances, but now that you should be able to stay on your parents insurance until you are are around 25, would that be a viable option? I'm not quite clear on all the rules but a friend of mine has a son with schizophrenia and he gets to remain on their insurance and try working very, very part time. I know not all parents are the easiest to live with, but if it was between a safe place to live and coverage to see a T and a Pdoc would there be a way to work thing out so that your parents could see you as an adult with the right to set your own hours and yet follow some basic rules?

SSDI doesn't ever keep up with inflation so the longer you are on it the less buying power you will have as time goes on. I worked from high school on, put myself though college, worked while married then my life fell apart. At 29 My doctors told my to apply for SSDI, now many years later I unfortunatly live in the wrong state to get help getting back to work and the SSDI I get now only covers the bare necessities. I do not wish to scare you but encourage you to look into alternatives at your age before jumping into SSDI Look too at what your state offers for help in getting back to work. Some states have fantastic programs and will work very hard with people to help them find the right kind of jobs so they will be free of the hand to mouth cycle and in a job that they can handle. Best of Luck.

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Angry Jul 21, 2012 at 02:21 PM
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Clearly I don't know your circumstances, but now that you should be able to stay on your parents insurance until you are are around 25, would that be a viable option? I'm not quite clear on all the rules but a friend of mine has a son with schizophrenia and he gets to remain on their insurance and try working very, very part time. I know not all parents are the easiest to live with, but if it was between a safe place to live and coverage to see a T and a Pdoc would there be a way to work thing out so that your parents could see you as an adult with the right to set your own hours and yet follow some basic rules?

SSDI doesn't ever keep up with inflation so the longer you are on it the less buying power you will have as time goes on. I worked from high school on, put myself though college, worked while married then my life fell apart. At 29 My doctors told my to apply for SSDI, now many years later I unfortunatly live in the wrong state to get help getting back to work and the SSDI I get now only covers the bare necessities. I do not wish to scare you but encourage you to look into alternatives at your age before jumping into SSDI Look too at what your state offers for help in getting back to work. Some states have fantastic programs and will work very hard with people to help them find the right kind of jobs so they will be free of the hand to mouth cycle and in a job that they can handle. Best of Luck.
sidestepper,
I'm sorry but that is much easier said than done. I was told several years ago that I needed to be on disability but I did not want to go that route. I did not want to "take the easy way out." I wanted to work as long as possible in order to have a good work record. Unfortunatley, I have both physical and mental issues that make it virtually impossible for me to handle any job. I have been let go from some the few jobs I could get in a very short time, some after a few weeks, some after a few days, and a couple after an hour, because I couldn't handle the demands. With other jobs, my supervisors just thought I was being lazy so they would pile the most amount of grunt work on me to "teach me a lesson," plus I would get bullied by the other employees because of my limitations, so I was forced to quit. That doesn't look good so a lot of places won't hire me! Even if you do find a government program that will "help," no one will hire you if you don't have experience or good references. I am talking about the real world here, not a fantasy that looks good on paper. And you cant force someone to hire you.
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