Posts by Kyle Reed30

placidrider48,

Will the U.S. Census Bureau send me the official decision?

And what happens if someone gets fired by chance, has no disability rating, and zero income? How is a person in that situation actually helped?

Jesus, you’ve got me worried now if this is all just meaningless paperwork.

How long did you have to wait before they called you in for the evaluation??

You mentioned an employer can fire you if you're unfit even for an adjusted role. If they let you go, what are the odds of finding another job quickly that's even less demanding? Is there even a shot? Does the Department of Labor, the Social Security Administration, or the U.S. Census Bureau help find lighter work, or do they just offer advice?

I'm currently unemployed, but I'm actively looking. To be clear, nobody even knows about the illness yet, so I'm applying as a healthy person. I still can't get to the medical evaluation because I have a mountain of tests to complete first. I can't even take results to my primary care physician until I've gathered everything. Can I start working once I finally hand all the documentation to my doctor and the evaluation process begins? In other words, am I free to work while waiting for the actual appointment?

darksurfer4 said:Come on, kids, take a breather.🙄

Most likely people have had enough bad experiences to build up a fair amount of resentment—and honestly, they have every right to warn us.

placidrider48 said:It’s definitely not a requirement—you can totally keep working and still collect disability at the same time. Plus, under current American law, there isn't really this thing where you're just completely stripped of your capacity to work anymore; instead, the court has to specify the exact scope of any limitations in the ruling.

I happen to be a Law School grad.

Thanks for the reply!

Glad to hear it.
Can I ask you a few questions? It would be helpful to get some clarity. If you know, please try to answer:

1. How can someone who struggles at work be helped if they haven't qualified for disability benefits yet? In that case, will there ALWAYS be a recommendation for vocational retraining, further education, or workplace accommodations for people with disabilities???

2. Suppose the commission decides that disability benefits aren't necessary, but instead recommends vocational retraining or workplace accommodations. What are the actual odds of someone actually finding employment as a person with a disability? Is that just a dead letter on paper, or can these individuals truly secure appropriate roles?
And what are the realistic chances of being hired this way?

Also, is there a risk of getting fired after a while? Can someone actually stay in such a role until retirement?

And if they do lose their job, can they actually find a similar one quickly? My fear is that if disability hiring quotas are met, or if employers simply refuse to hire them, they'll be left without any income.

3. If the commission decides against disability benefits and opts for retraining instead, the person might finish training for a new career in a few months (or so an occupational therapist told me). But what if they get that adapted job and then turn out to be INCAPABLE of performing it despite the accommodations? What options are left then??

Can an expert clarify something for me: to qualify for disability benefits, is losing your ability to work an absolute requirement? Is being unable to work a strict prerequisite for receiving a personal disability claim?

I have no intention of giving up my career, but given my condition, I doubt I even could.

mistyjackal842 said:Does anyone actually understand what it means to have your legal capacity revoked? It’s terrifying. You literally can’t do anything. A guardian is appointed
, and they make every single decision for you. They could put you in some facility or even take away your apartment if you own one. Basically, you lose all autonomy. How could anyone ever want to give up their right to decide for themselves? Imagine someone malicious just stripping away everything you own. And this can happen overnight, all for the sake of some stipend or whatever. I spent six years caring for a bedridden patient at home, and even then, it felt overwhelming when the home health aides started showing up so frequently—especially since they didn't know the first thing about medical care. Honestly, even that felt like a form of surveillance, even though I know it wasn't meant to be. It was always easiest when the aide was on vacation, or during those few months last year when they were locked out. For my mom, I had a really smart, kind head nurse. She was a huge help because dealing with Mom being immobile was all new to me. But this other one, who was totally clueless, was just a hindrance. Once she helped me get Dad settled, but the next time, she insisted she had to do it herself. It wasn't even that hard. The bigger issue was paying for the transport to the wheelchair $50 every single week just so Dad could actually get into it.

I get it. It can be a disaster, especially if you’re surrounded by toxic people—whether they're acting as legal guardians or specialized professionals. Sometimes there isn't a clean way out; you're just forced to pick the lesser of two evils. Personally, I don't see myself losing my ability to work. This isn't like being bedridden or unable to speak after a stroke, or dealing with MS, ALS, psychosis, or dementia. This is different. It's a specific kind of disability where I look perfectly fine on the surface, but underneath, things are much more difficult.

placidrider48 said:The CZSS doesn't just automatically accept whatever results came out of an evaluation done through the Social Security Administration.

It's 100%, since I have a combined disability (left side motor skills, residual orthopedic deformities, and low vision in my right eye).

Why?? And what’s the fallout??
Does that mean they make you go through two separate evaluations or what?

placidrider48 said:They called me in for my disability assessment to meet with an evaluator at the medical center, who basically just looked over everything alongside the medical records I handed them. I guess if they aren't doing in-person visits because of COVID, they'll probably just stick to reviewing the paperwork. They actually have this whole Expert Witness Methodology Regulation they follow when they're calculating your disability percentage.

The real headache in America is that there isn't one single, streamlined way to handle disability claims—Social Security Administration does things their own way, and they had me jumping through a million hoops with all these different evaluations. Eventually, I got the official ruling on my percentage, which meant I could try to get some hiring preferences, use my one-time credit for a lifetime bus pass, get free supplemental insurance, and stuff like that.

But honestly, the Department of Social Services just does whatever they want.

Hey, hello to you too!

What do you mean by that? Sorry, I didn't quite catch your drift.
If you don't mind me asking, what percentage of disability did you receive?

-skyfall- said:Social workers won't be knocking on your door, and the board won't call you in for an interview. It’s all handled through medical records.
I know this firsthand. We filed for my mother; she was denied, and now we're filing an appeal with the secondary medical review board.
Basically, you need the completed forms, the medical documentation, and whatever specific paperwork the Department of Social Services requests. You submit everything and wait for a decision. In Washington, D.C., it takes 6-9 months. Other cities might be faster.

Hey, hi!
The special education teacher mentioned that they used to bring people in for interviews with the board, but since COVID, that's been banned.

Can you walk me through the process? Like, how do I actually start? Where is the first step?

Is it smarter to go to my primary care doctor first, or head straight to the Department of Social Services??? My teacher suggested going to the Department first to find out what my rights are. Or will my doctor just end up sending me to the Department anyway?

mistybear56 said:I don't think you need to lose your legal capacity to receive disability benefits. Why? It's not like someone with paraplegia is automatically considered mentally incompetent. As for that "minimum guaranteed benefit," that's usually for people with zero income who can't cover basic living costs. Beyond that, I'm not sure... https://www.socialservices.gov/services

Typically, incapacity applies to those dealing with psychosis or individuals with Down's syndrome who lack decision-making autonomy. But honestly, you never know what loopholes exist within any disability category. 🤔

mistybear56 said:My bad, sorry for the mistake. I assumed that because the illness impacts cognitive function. I wasn't calling you problematic. I was just trying to look at the whole picture. Honestly, the only person who could really give you solid advice is someone within the system you can talk to informally...

They won't strip you of your ability to work, so there's nothing to fear there. You need to advocate for yourself and let go of that fear regarding your parents. I looked into something called minimum guaranteed benefits through the Department of Social Services. At full amount, it’s about $12 a month. Maybe try securing something like that before looking into formal disability status. Talk to your neurologist about what kind of jobs would fit your education and interests. You also have to consider if you're okay with living on the edge for the rest of your life because of everything that happened. You have every right to fight for a happy, fulfilling life... Ask the IRS for a list of employers who get tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities and send out some open applications. You're also entitled to reduced hours and workplace accommodations. Under current regulations, employers have to prioritize hiring people with disabilities and meet specific quotas based on their staff size, otherwise they face penalties. Check with the Department of Social Services to see if you can keep your disability benefits if you do find a job...

No need to apologize. 🙂 🙂 Sure, the illness affects my cognitive function, but there are plenty of other symptoms beyond that. I know you weren't saying I was being difficult; I was just pointing out that our parents share enough similarities that we understand each other. And yes, I agree—a professional is likely my best bet for help.

mistybear56 said:My bad, sorry for the mistake. I assumed that because the illness impacts cognitive function. I wasn't calling you problematic. I was just trying to look at the whole picture. Honestly, the only person who could really give you solid advice is someone within the system you can talk to informally...

They won't strip you of your ability to work, so there's nothing to fear there. You need to advocate for yourself and let go of that fear regarding your parents. I looked into something called minimum guaranteed benefits through the Department of Social Services. At full amount, it’s about $12 a month. Maybe try securing something like that before looking into formal disability status. Talk to your neurologist about what kind of jobs would fit your education and interests. You also have to consider if you're okay with living on the edge for the rest of your life because of everything that happened. You have every right to fight for a happy, fulfilling life... Ask the IRS for a list of employers who get tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities and send out some open applications. You're also entitled to reduced hours and workplace accommodations. Under current regulations, employers have to prioritize hiring people with disabilities and meet specific quotas based on their staff size, otherwise they face penalties. Check with the Department of Social Services to see if you can keep your disability benefits if you do find a job...

Great! I also believe I am capable of making my own decisions and representing my own interests. In fact, I've made more mature and wiser decisions than my healthy parents ever have.

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO LOSE YOUR CAPACITY TO WORK JUST TO QUALIFY FOR PERSONAL DISABILITY?

Is that minimum guaranteed benefit basically social welfare? Like what people on welfare or certain dependents receive...

I will definitely consult with doctors. Obviously, I won't be happy about potentially living on the edge for the rest of my life, but it would still be better than where I am now. I've tried everything, and everywhere I go, I just get rejected. Even a specialist told me straight up that I'm sick, and that wherever I work, I'll struggle and fail—that I should just go through the official evaluation process.
Yes, I would really love to have those kinds of labor rights for people with disabilities.

mistybear56 said:The girl is the only one with family issues and likely a psychiatric disability, which significantly complicates the fallout.

I don't have any kind of psychiatric disability. My condition falls under neurology.
Yeah, my family is problematic, but I’m not. They’ve always been experts at twisting the facts about my illness just to serve themselves. When I say they benefit, I mean they hide the reality of my condition and label me as lazy or irresponsible just to chase the unfulfilled dreams they weren't capable of achieving when they were healthy. It’s a way for them to pretend my successes belong to them. They would gladly humiliate their own child just for five minutes of glory.

mistybear56 said:Hey there.

Maybe this site could help you out:

http://www.rarediseases.org/rights-catalog/

If I were you, I'd definitely call the number at the bottom of that page. Just ask about all your options and what the actual consequences might be...

If it feels overwhelming to do alone, maybe ask someone close you trust to help. Just make sure the conversation is open, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification whenever you need it...

Your specialist probably understands your situation well—how long you've been in treatment, the specific physical or psychosocial challenges you face, your family history, and your financial situation...

Since I used to work in special education, I know firsthand that losing your legal capacity and being assigned a guardian isn't usually in your best interest. First, if you improve later on, it’s hard to get that independence back. Second, a guardian might be someone you have a difficult relationship with. Third, you could end up being manipulated or stripped of your rights...

Just be careful with your next steps...

If money is the main issue, the Department of Social Services likely offers other types of long-term assistance. It's worth looking into...

People with developmental disabilities can definitely hold supportive roles. For example, working as an assistant server, cook, or pastry chef. With good social adjustment at work, many do really well, and employers are often very happy with them...

You might also want to check with the IRS or local vocational services for counseling or psychological evaluations, and see if there are any retraining programs available...

That's just what comes to mind right now. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know...

Good luck!

Hey, hi!
I'm really glad you stepped up as an expert here. Can we move this to private messages?

I know that website exists; I thought about calling them once too, but I don't think my condition is rare so much as it is misunderstood.
Unfortunately, I don't have any close people I can trust given my current living situation.
Rehabilitation isn't an option for my condition. And yeah, I'd much rather have a job tailored to my disability than just collect disability checks. How would you even go about getting a guardian?? It would probably end up being my parents, which is a disaster for me. My parents aren't good people; I've dealt with all kinds of abuse from them my entire life, and they always flip the script—making themselves the victims and me the villain. They managed to turn everyone on their side, and I never had the courage to defend myself or tell the truth. That's why I have zero support. Honestly, nobody even knows I'm sick, and even if they did, no one would believe me after I spent 20 years staying silent and taking it. I've been manipulated and stripped of my rights my whole life.

Oh, by the way, my specialist thinks the best path forward is career adjustment—retraining for a support role suited for someone with my disability.

What do you do for a living? Sorry for being so blunt, but I need to know how much you can actually help me.

Thanks!

Can someone explain what kind of rights people have if they have been born with a disability involving a developmental disorder, rather than not being disabled due to a workplace injury or a car accident??

Grace Ramos

So, you're saying anything from 30% up applies to workplace injuries. I'm struggling to follow the logic here. How are you supposed to help someone with a disability under 80% if they don't qualify for disability benefits, yet they are still physically unable to work?

"You might get a call from the Department of Social Services after submitting your paperwork telling you not to bother showing up for the evaluation because you won't have any rights anyway." What is that supposed to mean? Under what circumstances would that actually happen?

Now I'm actually getting nervous. With my condition, it would be easy for them to manipulate the outcome since it's poorly understood and often dismissed, even though it's recognized as a disability in other countries. I read specifically about my illness that it qualifies as a true disability. It’s not just like having cancer where you can't work; it actually impairs your cognitive ability to handle tasks and everything else.

I see people mentioning they can rule you as 50% disabled but still fit for work. Is it possible for them to intentionally lowball the percentage just to avoid paying out anything?

Also, do social workers come to your house for visits, or is that unnecessary?

An occupational therapist told me they think my condition falls into level 2 or 3. What does that signify?
I looked up those levels once and it seemed to me like I fit level 3. I know I'm not qualified to make that call, but based on the descriptions of the difficulties, it matches my experience. It wouldn't be surprising if I'm right; I ended up self-diagnosing this condition before going through the medical process to finally have it officially confirmed.

prilika said:
Your whole life becomes one long session of social work oversight. Constant monitoring, constant judgment. I’ve never wanted anyone breathing down my neck like that.

What's the logic there? Care to elaborate?
Thanks.

mistyjackal842 said:
I don't judge other people's medical issues. But my mother dealt with recurring venous thrombosis—including a pulmonary embolism once—so she was back in the hospital with vein issues every few years. In 2007, arterial insufficiency kicked in: blue feet, claudication. On top of that, she had kidney issues and thrombocytopenia. Despite all that, she kept working for three more years until 2010, reaching age 65. She would have worked longer if she could. Her job was high-responsibility but sedentary. However, she still had to show up. She was lucky; her colleagues truly respected her, and being the senior staff member, she got first pick for vacation time. After losing a parent, I wanted to jump right back into work immediately. I actually got a call for a position before I even had time to settle my father's affairs. I rushed through everything just to make it, though they probably didn't even need me that fast. They told me on Wednesday they needed someone by Monday. It was mid-month. I begged for just one extra week off. Later, I realized I needed to slow down. It was the middle of September and sweltering hot; the shock I went through likely caused that weakness I felt. It's better now that the weather has cooled down. But look, a person fights as long as they are breathing; there are no retreats. It's just hard to land those higher-paying roles. Also, I believe every worker should have at least every other weekend off. Working 16-hour days is wrong. I’ve pulled 9 or 10-hour shifts right before a vacation, sure, but my weekends were always free.

Good luck to you; you'll find something eventually. 👍
I get that your mother's illnesses weren't easy, but your mother UNDERSTOOD THE JOB AND WAS CAPABLE OF DOING IT, whereas I am NOT. Your mother faced physical ailments—if we want to put it that way—that acted as barriers, but I simply cannot grasp the nature of the work. My symptoms manifest as an inability to comprehend the task at hand. I know this is complicated for you to wrap your head around because I can't be too specific without being identified, but if I explained it clearly, you'd understand.

Grace Ramos

It would likely look something like this:

Eligibility for disability benefits due to physical impairment applies to policyholders with a verified impairment level of at least 30%, provided it resulted from a workplace injury or an occupational disease.

Grace Ramos said:
The folks at the Department of Social Services look at everyone's household income if you're filing paperwork for caregiver assistance.

As I recall, you can qualify for permanent disability if your impairment hits over 80%, provided it wasn't a workplace accident or military service.

After the medical evaluation, you'll have an interview with a social worker. They’ll ask how you get along with the people in your house; you can explain your living situation there to see if you'll qualify for aid. As for determining work capacity, that's handled by occupational medicine—they usually send you over from the unemployment office or directly from an employer.

Fine. My family's income probably won't be an issue since I don't have a condition requiring constant care.

Can you clarify the part about getting permanent disability with over 80% impairment? I read a regulation that suggested a different path (or maybe I misread it?). It stated you could qualify with at least 30% impairment, and then the $500 is the maximum, which gets adjusted based on the specific percentage.

Also, do I go to the Department of Social Services first, or do I hit the primary care doctor and then the medical evaluator first?

David Palmer5 said:
here:

I read that link ages ago. If anyone actually knows anything, please just give me detailed answers to the questions.