Author Topic: Manny's primitives discuss being too disabled to work (Read 1788 times)

franksolich · « **on:** May 10, 2017, 05:48:28 PM »

https://jackpineradicals.com/groups/jpr-the-voice-of-poverty-and-disability/forum/topic/because-****-it/

Oh my.

It's been a while since we've had one of these hard-luck stories, so enjoy.....

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davidthegnome (972 posts) April 29, 2017 at 9:35 am

Because… **** it.

So it’s been a long week, hell, it’s been a long few years. Some of you may recall that I recently made the decision to apply for disability – and there is a little good news on that front. My social worker has set me up with a CIS worker who I will be meeting with on May 8th to discuss my situation and what steps I need to take to get help. Out of desperation, I filled out an online application to be contacted by a legal office, regarding possible representation for disability. I’ve been told that usually people only get legal aid on the appeal after the first rejection, still, I thought it couldn’t hurt.

The legal rep told me that their firm would not accept cases like mine – because I am working. Basically, the reply was that because I am working my chances of winning a disability case are low. Some others have told me the opposite – and I do not know for a fact which is true.

Just another one of the ways in which my job is screwing me. It’s one thing to smile and nod all day, pretend to be the most pleasant desk clerk gnome in the world – but what I am feeling inside is… despair. I can’t walk without a significant limp now, people at work are starting to call me “gimpy” because apparently that’s funny. I’m also frequently getting questions when I go to shop for basic things, or see someone I know. “What’s wrong? You’re really hurtin’ eh?”

The, “You’re really hurtin’ eh?” Was from an old man I did not know, but saw yesterday at the parking lot of my work place (friday I go pick up my check). I told him, “Yeah, bad back, been that way for a while now.” He shrugged, “Yeah, no one really cares.” Got in his own car and drove off. I couldn’t decide whether to flip him the bird, laugh, or shrug it off. I decided to shrug it off (metaphorically speaking, shrugging can hurt, and I wasn’t wasting that on him).

Now it’s probably true, especially up here, that people don’t have to bother with caring. Every day I see people with walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and I wonder to myself how bad my life really is, why I can’t just grit my teeth and bare it. Surely it’s harder for them… though I am debating getting myself a cane, I don’t know if it will help, but it might be worth trying.

Anyhow, on top of dealing with the stupid, criminal labor violations at my place of work, I have to deal with the owner – the big boss, who is back this week. Usually he comes in for a few days a month, but they tell me that lately he has been visiting more often. He is… how do I say this… An egotistical, narcissistic, cruel bully, one of those insufferable rich people who despises the poor, but must have his own head far enough up his own ass to constantly be licking that silver spoon.

My panic attacks are getting worse, in addition to the back pain – and nothing seems to bring relief. I don’t think I can take much more. The fight today is whether or not to call work, inform them: “I quit” or go in for another day of ass kissing stupidity. I am not sure that I can. I think I am losing this fight against my worst half. There is one side of me that says, “Compassion. Humility. Love. Peace. These things are the answer.” Another side says, “**** it. **** them. People suck and the world is a ball of shit. Life is a joke, you know it’s true, just remember that the last laugh is on you.” Jeez, I wonder if I am bipolar.

Anyway.. I don’t think my options are going to get much better any time soon. I either keep doing this, or I give up on my income and whatever level of independence I have. There’s lots of different ideas I’m considering, but none that are likely to “get help now”. I’m already regretting getting out of bed this morning. I really need a good rock to crawl under.

Disclaimer: franksolich involuntarily attained Omaha Steve's goal of jumping aboard the social security disability gravy train last November, the same month the current President was elected. In theory I'd been unable to work since August 2009, but doing the improbable has been characteristic of my life and persona.

In four months after initially involuntarily applying, it was granted on the first try, no attorneys, and did not allege any mental condition as the disability or at least part of it.

The primitives, both Manny's and Skins', may eat their hearts out, although I'm not enjoying it; I dunno why the Big Blubber, Omaha Steve, was so anxious to get it.

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Silver Witch (4485 posts) (Reply to original post) April 29, 2017 at 4:59 pm

1. This wrk has been hell

I doubt you will be very successful getting disability if you are working. One must starve for a few years before they can truly win disability. Sadly that is the state of our nation the disability office figures if they don’t help you you will find a way to get up and get to work. As you are demonstrating. Disability is often turned down twice before approval just because most people get hungry enough to find a way to wor at least part time rather than starve.

It is part of the plan to keep torturing people. My sister waited two years although she got back pay for the two years in the meantime she lived with family and friends and cried a lot!

Hope things get better soon David the only advice I have is too put one foot in front of the other and keep on keeping on and try to hold on to your sanity. Good luck my friend. :hug:

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davidgmills (4173 posts) (Reply to original post) April 29, 2017 at 6:54 pm

2. I wasn't a social security lawyer

But my understanding is that in order to get social security you can not be able to work. Here is what the SS Administration says about what it takes to get a finding of disability.

https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/dqualify4.html

The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

“Disability” under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

You cannot do work that you did before;
We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

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davidthegnome (972 posts) (Reply to davidgmills - post #2) April 29, 2017 at 8:58 pm

3. I think SSI is different.

I’m not certain, but my understanding is that it is meant to be supplemental, like most of our social programs. I definitely can’t do the work I did before – I can’t even walk without a limp now. I used to do a lot of manual labor, spent a good deal of time working for carpenters and farmers – and some of it was under the table, but for the part that wasn’t… not going to happen, not with my back as it is.

It’s been about two years since this (the issue with my back) problem started, this most recent job I started… if I remember right, a little over a month ago. I thought I could handle it until my back gave out again, which I think made my mental condition worse. The majority of the time… even with the normal every day pain and stress – I am not too bad. It’s when the panic attacks hit like they did this afternoon, that my ability to function leaves me. At least, for a time. Standard panic attacks last, on average, 15 minutes or less – mine tend to last longer for various psychological reasons that are likely related to past trauma – and the medications I take.

I just can’t bare to stand that long anymore, or to do much lifting or bending. There may be other jobs out there I can do – my area is just very limited in what kind of work is available in regards to what they call “unskilled labor”. I will have to give it some thought… but the most commonly available job types either require you to be on your feet for a full shift, or to do some heavy moving and lifting. If I knew what was wrong with my back, maybe I could figure out how to fix it, but… well, you know what they say about wishes not being wings, or how fast one hand fills…

The bitch of it is that my family could definitely use my income, especially now that we’re going to be moving into a new house. I just can’t keep doing what I have been. My parents make well over ten times what I earn, but I know that even my little bit helps. Maybe I’ll find something to do online for a while. Or…

Maybe I’ll commit myself somewhere. I haven’t quite decided yet.

The medical condition is a lifelong struggle, I mean – the post traumatic stress and the panic attacks. I know plenty have it worse than I do, but my own situation is shitty enough. I’ll apply for disability – probably get rejected, then appeal, then maybe eventually get it. In the meantime, I have to find a way to make a few bucks. Looking into filling out online surveys and stuff like that.

Doing the same thing over and over again though, and expecting different results… I think it is time to stop trying my hand at all of these “unskilled” jobs that I end up being miserable at. Time for something different. My family will neither starve nor end up homeless without me – and I will help as I can. For now though, I think I need to take several steps back until I can heal and figure out what the heck I’m going to do.

Or find a rubber room and a straight jacket…

As I have often said, being crazy isn’t easy.

(On edit: I’m not sure if SSI is the correct acronym, it is some kind of supplemental security income, not standard SSDI. I know I can’t get that – at least, I’m fairly certain I can’t.)

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FanBoy (7464 posts) (Reply to davidthegnome - post #3) April 30, 2017 at 6:48 pm

4. ssi isn't regular disability; it comes from the general fund — iow, you worked

but you didn’t pay a dedicated tax for it.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a United States government program that provides stipends to low-income people who are either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Although administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI is funded from the U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust fund. SSI was created in 1974 to replace federal-state adult assistance programs that served the same purpose.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supplemental_Security_Income

thundley4 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2017, 06:03:32 PM »

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My social worker has set me up with a CIS worker

I stopped reading right there. He should have demanded a trans worker.

I_B_Perky · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2017, 06:49:37 PM »

Jack Pin primitive needs to go to DU. They are experts at getting on the disability gravy train and welfare.

SVPete · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2017, 07:03:57 PM »

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Just another one of the ways in which my job is screwing me. It’s one thing to smile and nod all day, pretend to be the most pleasant desk clerk gnome in the world – but what I am feeling inside is… despair. I can’t walk without a significant limp now, people at work are starting to call me “gimpy” because apparently that’s funny. I’m also frequently getting questions when I go to shop for basic things, or see someone I know. “What’s wrong? You’re really hurtin’ eh?”
...
Just another one of the ways in which my job is screwing me. ...

Ya know, I had trouble walking most of the first 3 months of this year. As much as it frustrated the @#$% out of me, I didn't take it out on my coworkers or develop an A-Hole attitude toward my job. Nor did I develop an A-Hole attitude toward people who showed concern.

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Surely it’s harder for them… though I am debating getting myself a cane, I don’t know if it will help, but it might be worth trying.

They should have 5 or 10 at your nearest CVS or Walgreens. Pick one and walk up and down the aisle a couple of times. How tough is that?

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Anyhow, on top of dealing with the stupid, criminal labor violations at my place of work, I have to deal with the owner – the big boss, who is back this week. Usually he comes in for a few days a month, but they tell me that lately he has been visiting more often. He is… how do I say this… An egotistical, narcissistic, cruel bully, one of those insufferable rich people who despises the poor, but must have his own head far enough up his own ass to constantly be licking that silver spoon.

I supose the boss could actually be as described, but given this character's attitude, I suspect the real "beef" is that he "makes" people do the work they're paid to do.

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I used to do a lot of manual labor, spent a good deal of time working for carpenters and farmers – and some of it was under the table ...

Charming, a tax cheat wanting government bennies paid for by others who don't cheat.

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There may be other jobs out there I can do – my area is just very limited in what kind of work is available in regards to what they call “unskilled labor”.

Translation: didn't get an education or learn a trade, but wants others to pay for the life-mess created by his choices.

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The medical condition is a lifelong struggle, I mean – the post traumatic stress and the panic attacks.

If it really has been lifelong - i.e. it limited him in childhood - all the more reason to have gotten an education.

Has he announced a GoFundMe yet?