Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!125!7!Reed.Hopkins
From: Reed.Hopkins@f7.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Reed Hopkins)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: re: ABLED
Message-ID: <12907@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 18 Jul 90 20:56:51 GMT
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Index Number: 9300

Ann, in order to get certified as disabled by Social Security you
need PERSISTANCE. I not only got myself on it, but I also used to
work in the Sonoma County Medi-Cal office as an eligibility worker,
and many of my clients were going through the process.

Social SEcurity routinely turns down all but the most severe cases
on the first try. PLEASE don't take it personnally, or as a valid
assesment by social security of the true nature of your
disability(s). They're just doing things the way they think works
best.  Those that really need the disability insurance payments
keep applying and appealing, and the featherweights drop out.  It
takes an enormous emotional toll, but they don't recognize that as
a factor in their decision making apparently.

I'd be willing to bet that the Social Security process has pushed
more than a few people over the brink to suicide. Becoming disabled
isn't easy on the soul. The number of suicide attempts amongst new
para's and quads is really frightening.

And if you're not using a wheelchair ("legitimately" disAbled) you
get a lot of doubts about the severity of your disabilities,
especially if they're a mix of things that alone would only slow
you down a bit.

Hang in there, be happy, come here A LOT, and it'll come through
eventually.  They are putting me through college - I'm very
grateful for the Social Security System, but it does have some
major flaws.

Reed Hopkins

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