[shortandcute]

One of the main reasons I've not been going lately is that is one of the reasons I got denied disability. The judge said that I "go to church every week, 4 AA meetings a week, goes shopping, indicating a very happy and active social life." The thing is, I wasn't even going to church every single week at the time, just every couple of months. I'm not a very social person, but I need to get out more so my depression doesn't get worse. Now, I'm scared to death to do anything, because it might get used against me. I hate how they put you in a bind.

[Frankbtl]

Hi, unbelievable (what the judge said) !! Not familiar with the systems in your country but are there any formal appeals processes you can pull on? Or could you apply again? If so maybe have statements prepared by any professionals you have involvement with e.g. doctors? They may not be able to state the full nature of your disability but they may "weigh in your favor".
Anyway, for now if you need the AA meetings that's a GOT TO DO, although if you have a mentor (and a mentor's always a good idea) maybe you could arrange to meet closer to home or supplement a visit to AA with some close contact with them IF that would work for you.
And if there's anywhere else/activity wise that's closer to home maybe you could move the circle in just a little.
If there's anyone from your church you know perhaps you could invite them around to fill a little bit of a gap/connection to the church. Perhaps your pastor/vicar/minister (??) could set you up with some connections if you spoke to them?? Although that's not to say you shouldn't go as well at times.
But really it may be worth much more to you/your wellbeing if you work on budgeting and getting out and doing what you need/want to do without considering disability payments in case they don't happen. Of course that's got to depend on what finances you DO have but if you have enough to "get by" (??) then the "going out" bits needn't be that expensive e.g. going on walks, meeting friends at cheaper places..........IF that's a possibility????
Although are there any other benefits you could claim in lieu of disability maybe??
But whatever you do, DO NOT be alone, if there are times you really want to get out/meet people/connect and are really hesitant then maybe pick up the phone and talk to someone.......? Or even talk to us!! Here for you!!
Best wishes
Alison

[Fuzzybear]

Wow Goes to show judges aren't always right. . Much love to you

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by Frankbtl

Hi, unbelievable (what the judge said) !! Not familiar with the systems in your country but are there any formal appeals processes you can pull on? Or could you apply again? If so maybe have statements prepared by any professionals you have involvement with e.g. doctors? They may not be able to state the full nature of your disability but they may "weigh in your favor".
Anyway, for now if you need the AA meetings that's a GOT TO DO, although if you have a mentor (and a mentor's always a good idea) maybe you could arrange to meet closer to home or supplement a visit to AA with some close contact with them IF that would work for you.
And if there's anywhere else/activity wise that's closer to home maybe you could move the circle in just a little.
If there's anyone from your church you know perhaps you could invite them around to fill a little bit of a gap/connection to the church. Perhaps your pastor/vicar/minister (??) could set you up with some connections if you spoke to them?? Although that's not to say you shouldn't go as well at times.
But really it may be worth much more to you/your wellbeing if you work on budgeting and getting out and doing what you need/want to do without considering disability payments in case they don't happen. Of course that's got to depend on what finances you DO have but if you have enough to "get by" (??) then the "going out" bits needn't be that expensive e.g. going on walks, meeting friends at cheaper places..........IF that's a possibility????
Although are there any other benefits you could claim in lieu of disability maybe??
But whatever you do, DO NOT be alone, if there are times you really want to get out/meet people/connect and are really hesitant then maybe pick up the phone and talk to someone.......? Or even talk to us!! Here for you!!
Best wishes
Alison

it's not a problem for me to get to these places--it's just that going to aa and church was used as a reason to deny me--that's the issue

and i don't meet my friends at expensive places either, so that's not an issue either; i just pretty much go to AA and that doesn't cost anything; all I'm concerned about is being able to go to church and AA--both of which cost nothing--without that being a reason to get denied disability

punished for going to church????

That makes no sense at all.............

Grr to that "judge".

[Frankbtl]

Hi shortandcute, yes, don't know where the judge is coming from!! So maybe appeals process or reapply and hope for a more understanding result??
Are there any "disability" groups who could help you with either of these in your area though, unless you have any contact with Social Services (?) who could help you with these/give you some advise??
Alison

[swheaton]

From what I understand, getting disability is tough. Just keep appealing.

[Sabra]

Good afternoon,

I am sorry about the denial. Was this your first denial? Honestly, if you stayed away from AA and church, you could possibly get sick enough to qualify. I know before I went to AA, I was going down a very unhealthy path. I had a light yellow tint to my skin.

The judge you had obviously doesn't understand AA isn't a social organization. Social interaction does take place, but that isn't the purpose. Church is for the benefit of your spiritual growth and wellbeing. There are social benefits for you and others who go.

I guess if you stay in bed, interacting with no one, you might get the pittance they offer. I encourage you to continue going to the groups you now attend. If you need to, get an attorney to help. It will cost you some $, but you may get to keep your sanity while you wait.

Regards,

sabra

[shortandcute]

oh, i already have an attorney

[leomama]

[QUOTE=shortandcute;3587859]One of the main reasons I've not been going lately is that is one of the reasons I got denied disability. The judge said that I "go to church every week, 4 AA meetings a week, goes shopping, indicating a very happy and active social life." The thing is, I wasn't even going to church every single week at the time, just every couple of months. I'm not a very social person, but I need to get out more so my depression doesn't get worse. Now, I'm scared to death to do anything, because it might get used against me. I hate how they put you in a bind.[/QUOTE

Can you tell us anything about your backstory?

I am not sure if this works for you or not..............

but if "they" are using the fact that you have attended church against you - then could you call a couple of close church members and have them go to your house. Then you could do a bible study or simply pray and listen to some christian radio (IE WEMI on tunein).

Whenever two or more are gathered in my name.....

So then you can have the benefits of worship without some stupid governmental penalty.?.?.?

Just a thought

[shortandcute]

I don't really like having people over my house a lot; but I shouldnt be penalized for going to church.

[icinggurl]

That is ridiculous (what the judge said). He obviously has no experience with mental health issues. It's stupid that addiction is seen as different from other mental disorders.

[shortandcute]

It isn't even about the addiction; she saw my going to AA as part of having a "very happy, active social life" and denied me because my imaginary social life. But, it does seem that she (the judge) had no idea what she was talking about.

[shezbut]

I wish that I could understand what this judge's reasoning was. It simply makes no sense to me! Sounds like she has one of those perspectives that sends me into the dark side. Aaaargh!

Don't forget that some people have successfully appealed the court's decision many times ~ don't give up hope, honey!!!

[avlady]

Thats just awful, you should not have been denied social security, also, because if you are doing those things it also shows there is a reason your depressed and can't work. A person can only do so much especially when they are disabled, let the lawyer know the extent to which you are able to cope successfully in the outside world. It does take a few tries sometimes although this is true too.

[possum220]

A very happy and active social life?

I wonder what the judge thinks you do with the other 162 hours of your week.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

oh, i already have an attorney

Are the advising you on how to appeal this decision? Also do you have medical records proving your condition and inability to function well enough for work? The only way i can see them possibly coming to that conclusion is 1 they are either totally clueless or 2 they don't have enough documentation proving your condition and so they think going to church/AA meetings implies you could show up to a job and work.

But yeah according to your attorney do you guys have enough medical records?

Also instead of just saying you regularly go to church and AA meetings, you could explain your difficulties related to that...for instance if you're ever unable to show up to church or AA meetings due to your condition, or if for instance social anxiety makes it very nerve wracking being around other people to the point it exhausts you? I don't have the best wording for what I am about to say, but essentially you want to look as pathetic as you can without lying and you should be able to get a favorable decision.

But yeah if you want to go to church I'd say go for it, they aren't going to track that you went to church....and thats not even reasonable grounds for a denial so I doubt the next judge you get would make such a judgement provided you make sure and get all the medical evidence you can and all that.

[shortandcute]

I never told the judge that I do that. I did tell the lawyer about the AA, but only because he asked if I had any problems related to alcoholism and/or addiction, whether past or present. And I NEVER even said that I'm going to church every week, so the judge was outright lying about that. I have medical records up the ying-yang, so the attorney was really shocked at the judge's decision. I mean, really, in the judge's letter, she lied quite a bit, claimed that I said things I didn't say (like me allegedly saying I go to church all the time), exaggerated in other places, twisted words around, even went as far as claiming that I conned the doctor into lying about how much weight I could carry.Yeah, so this was totally wierd and beyond comrehension.