[Odd_Fred]

Just got word yesterday My SSI was approved. Initially I was elated, but then started feeling guilty, and still do somewhat. I even apologized to the Gent I was talking with from Social Security.

I mean, I'm only 45 and able to work, well at least in certain environments anyhow. Guess I'll just have to get used to this, and tell Myself I (deserve??) it.

I mean, I tried the job market, but once my mental illness came out in interview, well, lets say the phone never rang, lol.

One last thing, everyone told me it takes many times for approval, but Mine was approved 1st time around. Guess maybe I am whacked.

Fred

[dottie]

Hi!

If you had a lot of documentation and hospital stays...that could be the reason you were ok'd without a hassle. Did you have a lot of "paperwork"? Just curious!-dottie

BTW-congrats!

[sabby]

Not everyone has to go through more than one application to SSI. Many folks are approved on the first go round. Don't go thinking that you are worse off than you really are hon.....I'm glad you don't have to go through all the crap more than once to receive something that you have paid into when you were in the job force. Good luck to you!

[nothemama8]

O Fread just remember when you did work you put into this money, it is yours don't feel you don't deserve you didn't ask for your illness

[DaveyJones]

Actually, four out of ten apps are approved the first time.

I'm in much the same position as you, Fred...I'm 50, otherwise healthy, and keep thinking that I should be able to work. But then I rememberthat it wasn't actually working, but the ability to work consistently day after day that was the problem.

I know what you mean about the job interview thing...I had that happen more than once. You can make about $800/month in addition to SSI, according to the SSA website...I've been able to work some by going to a day labor place like Labor Finders. They ask, but they got me work anyway...

Anyhow, congratulations on your approval--I was just approved last week--I know what a load it is off your mind.

DJ

[jbug]

Congrats on your approval. I too was approved after my first attempt at asking for it. I am hoping to get my doc's to say I can go back to work next year as I will be done with school then. I have been working really hard but still have a few funky things that I need to work on. Good luck!

Jbug

[Odd_Fred]

I know I had to fill out a few long forms. I had 3 hospitalizations from OD. I'd guess I had maybe 8 visits to Spring Harbor.

As far as number of tries, well, guess it's kinda like what side of fence one wants to be. I was just basing what I said from what "many" who have applied told me.

As far as being worse than others, never even entered my mind. I figure until I get locked in a mental institution I'm mild, haha.

Yeah, I'm gonna try going to Labor Ready and see if maybe i can get something on 3rd shift, was told they usually have request for workers for 3rd's. I'll do ok if I'm not around too many ppl, at least working with em anyway.

Thx for repliess
Fred

[biplol]

Just look at it from the good side... You won't have to deal with annoying people!!!
I know it can be frustating when you know you're much more than just a person with some issues, but maybe you'll find something to do with all the free time.
Don't torture yourself!

[complic8d]

I started getting disability last January. I only had to try once also, which makes me think, "I must be really bad." But, I am not able to work on a consistent basis, and not in the line of work that I have my degree in.
They only are covering me until next March, then they will review it. I am worried about that. I am hoping that , since by then I still won't have been a year out of the hospital, that they will reapprove me.
I know the guilty feelings, that, at least physically I don't seem disabled. It's hard when it is based on a mental condition. Right now my T says that my "job" is being a mom and wife. I'm trying to use the energy that I have to be that. My children have suffered from the hospitalizations and days in bed, so they deserve it when I can give them attention. So, that's what I'm focusing on right now.

The fact that your grant got approved first time says only that you uncluded all the iunformation that they needed fro them to make an objective decision as to if you need their help or not. many SSDI applicants get turned down just because they did not complete the paperwork correctly, or they didn't follow through with seeing all the specialists needed for determining if their own claims of disability are true. you saw the right doctors and filled in the paperwork in such a way that they found YOUR OWN statements to be true so they put you through the first time.

Having SSDI doesn't mean you can no longer work. you just now work with what your disability limits you to. If you get a job you will be put on a "monthly mailer" program where each month you mail in your pay stubs and the next months check will be prorated to reflect that they removed from your SSDI check the amounts that you earned through working. and depending on how much you make your foodstamp benefits that are included in the SSDI package may also be reduced. If you are working for 12 months then you will lose your SSDI grant completely because that will once again make you according to the states as not being disabled qnd needing the grant anymore.

hang in there

[jennie]

The Government says you are entitled to these benefits. Accept it.

Disability does not mean you can't do stuff. It means you need accommodations, like maybe a little assistance or extra time to complete tasks.

There's a huge stigma against disabled folks with hidden disabilities (like learning disabilities, cancers, mental illnesses, etc.). I learned really quickly not to tell people I have a disability because they'll respond back to me rudely as if I told I lie. It hurts.

Disabled folks deserve respect and equal treatment. Don't let others' ignorance convince you are subordinate.

[Bethsway]

congrats to you old fred...I am happy for you!!!!