Living with Retinitis Pigmentosa
in Health ·
Mark Diaz83 said:Hello, everyone. I have a question. Does anyone know if someone diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in America is entitled to any disability benefits or similar assistance? Thanks in advance for any answers.
Greetings.
I live with RP myself. It was diagnosed roughly 11 or 12 years ago. I have been on disability retirement for nearly two years now. Prior to that, I worked as an accountant.
The condition is progressive. Daily tasks have become difficult, driving is out of the question, and many other basic activities follow suit.
The situation I find myself in—and likely others living with RP—is quite grim. Because of this disease, I am unable to work or earn a living, yet my disability check is merely 1 $43., leaving me wondering how one is expected to survive on such amounts.
I am also preparing to look into whether I qualify for additional compensation for physical impairment, or perhaps some other form of aid, because a standard disability pension is simply not enough to live on. It is a profound embarrassment for our society. Healthy individuals enjoy certain so-called "privileged" pensions or military pensions (which can be 5 to 10 times larger than disability payments), while those with actual disabilities struggle to afford the basics.
Our illness limits us in so many ways, yet society seems intent on limiting us in our most fundamental existential needs. What is left for us?...