Got a new pc and I'm ready to get back into the swing of things!
For those who don't know what Disability/SSI are, or who are too young to have to know, Disability Benefits and SSI are things you could do if you were too stressed by DID to work.
I know that there are lots of you here who regularly go to work and school, and that's AWESOME! XD However, there are many who don't have any alters capable of holding down a job, or have alters that are too dangerous/chaotic/etc to keep a job. In this case, you could apply for Disability/SSI (in the US). For those living outside the US, if you have some form of benefits granted by the government, please share with us!
Please note that I am not saying you are disabled if you have DID. That is NOT what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that some people with DID cannot work due to extreme circumstances, and that the Government will not help out unless they claim to be disabled by their life with DID. Disabled here, only means that one cannot have a routine day-to-day life that involves the ability to have a job, do chores, be hygienic, go to school, have social lives, etc... Not all of those need to be missing, but even if you just can't work, or just can't have a normal/healthy life, the Government can grant you money to supplement what you cannot get yourself.
To start off, I will list a few commonly asked questions, then ask a few myself.
1. Can anyone apply?
Yes, everyone can apply but not everyone is accepted. It depends on if you qualify for benefits, usually if you can work or not.
2. How do I start the process?
Google your state/countries disability benefits program, if you don't know what it's called where you are, I'm sure if you googled "disability benefits in ____" you will probably come up with whatever it is called where you are. On their home page at the website, there should be a link to an application, and even a list to estimate if you qualify. There should also be a phone number to call if you have any questions.
3. How long will the whole process take?
This varies for everyone. I believe at first they say "up to 6 months" depending on how soon you finish your application and finding all the evidence you need to support your claim. They do have a deadline though, so don't take too long sending everything in. [Note from LB: we generally hear "at least a year, at least one rejection." Plan for the long haul!]
4. How much money will I receive?
That really depends on what the government decides and who with/where you live. In Texas, USA, if you're a war veteran with PTSD, generally between an estimated $800-1000/month. [Note from LB: we ourself started on SSI which at the time was a little over $700 a month, and have wobbled a little above and below that ever since, as our work history got us switched from SSI to SSDI and our taxes were taken into account.]
Now for questions I ask you to help others:
1. If you or a loved one have applied for disability, even if you didn't get it, what was your experience? How did this affect you and those you loved?
2. If you've received benefits, what is your advice to those who are seeking to get benefits, too?
Dealing with the Government can be kinda scary and overwhelming, so if we stick together and help each other out, we can all get through it!
If you have any questions or need help finding your state/countries benefits programs, message me and I will do what I can. :)
Until next time- Your mod, Alice
Comment from: tacdgb Aug 29, 2012
I took a 3 hour mental health evaluation to get help. I get help with DRV. It's a program that helps disabled people find work. I get to work 8 to 12 hours a week as that is what my mental health evaluation and my Therapist said. When I checked into SSI I was was told that I would need to see a dr for proof of my disability. But with living on my ex's part income I make to much for SSI but too poor so I need the added income. So yes you do have to have the evaluation. I went through it and it was not too bad. Would do it again to get the help I need. it is so worth it.
Comment from: RhayvenNite Aug 30, 2012
1. If you or a loved one have applied for disability, even if you didn't get it, what was your experience? How did this affect you and those you loved?
I wound up getting it. Eventually. I was eligible since the age of 16, however dad made too much. I tried for 3 years before finally getting it...It hit hard. It frustrated the -hell- out of me, depressed me, and landed me in the psych center a few times.
2. If you've received benefits, what is your advice to those who are seeking to get benefits, too?
HIRE. A. LAWYER!
You will save SOO Much headache and heartache.
Legally, they cannot be paid unless you win benefits. They can only get up to so much, as well. It is -so- worth it, though! Very much so! [Note from LB: this is accurate and true.]
Response from: Child-of-Horus Aug 30, 2012
I figured a lawyer would help, problem is how to go about getting one and how do you know which ones are the best ones??
Response from: RhayvenNite Aug 30, 2012
Yellow pages helped me. I got lucky and knew one that had helped the family.
Looking in the yellow pages, and calling around would be the best. Ones who work from the start ((That is, don't require you to fill out the paperwork, and wait to get denied)) IMO are usually the best. Usually indicates a small firm, probably someone who self-owns. Compared to the others - Who are usually big firms, and less caring about the client, and more caring about the money.
From my experience - If someone is willing to work with you from the Get-Go, they are probably more focused on helping people. And the money is a plus. ((That's how mine was <3 She was amazing, really caring. Always lectured at me if I had cut :P))
But..Yeah.
Comment from: LB-Lee Aug 31, 2012
Wow, this is really timely; we're working on our SSDI app right now. [...]
--Rogan
Response from: Child-of-Horus Aug 31, 2012
Try to find a decent lawyer, is what I heard. When you google disability law firms, make sure to cross-check that with reviews of that firm. Ever see those commercials for Binder & Binder? Ripoff Report has TONS of horrid reviews from them. Generally, they(gov't/ssi people) might even assign you their own lawyer hired by them. They all should work on the basis that they only get money if you win your case and get paid. It's usually 25% or up to a max of $6k. But it looks like you have a lot of records that could help. So maybe you won't even need a lawyer. [...]
Comment from: The-Orchestra-System Aug 31, 2012
in the UK we have something called Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) for people who arent able to work, whether it's long or short term it doesnt matter.
1. If you or a loved one have applied for disability, even if you didn't get it, what was your experience? How did this affect you and those you loved?
i applied last year for both ESA and DLA and for the most part it was a positive, quick and easy process. my mum called up for me and they sent forms to me with questions about what i can or cant do and what my experiences and diagnoses are etc, i sent them back and then just waited for an acceptance or rejection letter basically.
DLA was very very easy, they basically called up and asked how long things had been this way for me and then replied back with an acceptance letter and telling me how much i'll get (£144 a month which is roughly $280).
ESA was similar, i started off with £360 ($710-ish). then after a medical assessment to see if my answers were consistent with the form i filled out and just to answer further questions i ended up getting it increased to about £404 a month ($800-ish). though the medical assessment itself was horrible. i'm terrified of medical-type situations and places as it is so that didnt help and i was switchy and dissociated, i needed to bring a stuffed animal with me and couldnt look at the doctor. he asked what DID is caused by and when i said trauma he asked what trauma i'd been through as if it was easy to say, i answered eventually and he didnt comment or look sympathetic or anything he just moved on to the next question. so that experience wasnt pleasant at all but i guess because it was so horrible it just amplified my PTSD and dissociative symptoms which may have worked in my favour :/
i will say though, i did have a negative experience with a friend who didnt believe in my diagnosis and told me i didnt deserve to be recieving money when i'm just making things up. that was an argument that lasted 2 days on and off. needless to say we arent friends anymore.
2. If you've received benefits, what is your advice to those who are seeking to get benefits, too?
really, the main thing i have to say is dont be ashamed or afraid to try to apply. if you cant work or study then you're entitled to some help, dont be too proud to accept it okay? some people may object to it, but who are they to say what you are and arent capable of or entitled to. it's okay to need help, it's okay to ask for hlep and it's definitely okay to recieve help.