Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about disability.
Let's talk about Disability (SSI/SSDI)
The general population assumes many things about it. They assume you're in a wheelchair, for starters. They assume it's as simple as signing a few forms and POOF you have income. Most of all, the assume that if you get disability, you're set. All of these assumptions are wrong. Very, very wrong.
Many people on disability have an Invisible illness. Meaning they're not permanently in a wheelchair, although they may use one from time to time. Disabilities can be physical or mental and are different for every individual.
Applying for disability takes a long, long time! Weeks of paperwork, phone calls and appointments. Followed by months of waiting. Then after all of that, you will most likely be denied. Almost everyone is denied on their first application. So then you start the process over in an appeal. Months later, you may be denied again. This is when you have to bring in an attorney of disability advocate. You may even have to go to court. All so a bunch of strangers can decide if you're really "sick enough".
Disability income is the worst of it all. The general public likes to say that people on disability are "milking the system". That we're just using the government's dime to go on lavish vacations. We really don't "need" it, we just "want free money". Really? Let me explain something to you. When I was able to work full time, I made $1,400/month. On disability I receive $700/month. I lived in Northern New Jersey. A bare-bones studio apartment in a dangerous neighborhood went for about $900/month, maybe $800/month if you got lucky. So $700/month income for a $900/month, seedy apartment? That math doesn't add up. That doesn't even include, food, gas, electricity, medications, copays, internet, phone service....etc.. Well, okay, I guess I'll just die?
I am incredibly fortunate to have my family and to be able to stay on my mother's health plan. Without them, I'd be homeless, or dead. I will be forever thankful for that.
My advice to anyone applying:
Do not be discouraged if you get denied the first time. Especially if you're young.
Make sure you don't leave a single thing out when submitting your application.
If you get denied, get an advocate or attorney before filing your appeal.
Have a support system in place.
I also want to talk about the judgement people on disability receive and the hardships we face.
A lot of people who know me often wonder why I'm on disability. They know I go to the gym and exercise. So why am I on disability? This may apply to all of you as well.
First and foremost, it's honestly, none of anyone's business but my own. That said, I'll explain a bit.
Yes, I go to the gym. Yes, I can exercise in a controlled environment. I need to, or I'll become even sicker. But here's the thing, I am always able to stop in those situations. I cannot stand for long periods (more than 10 minuets at a time), I cannot walk in environments above 73 degrees for more than 15 minuets, I cannot sit in one position for more than an hour or two at most and I cannot lift more than 5 pounds. I cannot handle social situations well, I cannot handle excessive stimulation (lights, sounds) and I cannot grip things well. Now, say I managed to get a job despite all of that. I still attend physical therapy 3 days a week, I still have multiple appointments throughout the week, I will still have to call out frequently when I have bad pain day or catch something (and I won't know when that will be until it happens) and I will become overwhelmed and break down. These are things most employers won't tolerate. You may say, "well you can't get fired for medical things", and officially, you'd be right. But an employer will just claim you're being fired for another reason. So yes, there are some days where I'd be able to work, but I don't know when they'll be, so I cannot schedule ahead.
Being disabled does not mean spending all day, everyday, in bed. It means you're unable to hold down a job, long-term.
Other hardships we face are more personal. Most people on disability cannot get married or we'll lose our income. Most of us will never be able to own our own home. Many of us feel like a burden to our families. Many of us have more doctors than friends. Most of us want to work! Some of us used to work and miss our jobs terribly. Most of us do contribute to society. All of us deserve respect, but we rarely get it.