Poll Have You Ever Used Disability? (Or Other Social Services?)

[enough]

the state i live in surprised me and covered my income while i was in a detox facility for benzo abuse. I was shocked by that. The disability coverage insurance company my employer carries for me was quick to point out that it was available to me and did the lions share of getting me the state money, imagine that. The facility i went to was also very instrumental in getting my time off covered.
the time off probably saved my life. I was going to ride that drug into my grave and it was getting me there a little faster everyday. If i had been faced with getting all the paperwork in order and properly filed i would have likely said screw it and just kept numbing myself to the point if complacently watching my own death.

 

[notsurewheretoturn]

I've used them for both my physical disabilities and my ptsd. Mixed experiences but mental health services were pretty useless.

Approached therapy services via my gp for my ptsd as I was struggling with the extra stress of living in a damp flat and constant phone calls trying to get it sorted. They bombarded me with letters and phone calls about my upcoming initial assessment appointment. They stressed me out to such an extent I cancelled it and told them to read up about ptsd and additional stress factors before they drove someone over the edge.

Used social services to get adaptations in the flat, first one didn't listen, last one asked the right question; 'what would work for your disability?' Such a simple question, but makes a world of difference!

 

[DharmaGirl]

Have you used any form of disability or social services available in your country?
Yes, I was on SSDI since 2012. When I turned 65 last year it turned into SS retirement.

Which ones?
I used food stamps which helped beyond belief, I got Amazon prime for half price because of the food stamps which was a happy perk. I got Extra Help with medicare part D from SS, I think there might be more. I also accessed food pantries and searched online lists for free stuff.

Have they helped?
Yes, they really, really helped. I found that I could find free things easily and that there were many programs in the US to help.

What’s your experience been?
I got SSDI in 4 months because I was so sick so I didn't have to go through any hoops. Just applied with a huge amount of documentation and got approved. I was glad to get it but I wanted to go back to work so badly it made it hard. I have found that people in the social services field here are kind and respectful and rellly want to help you. The ERs are the exact opposite and I have been treated badly up to abuse in some of them.

Things you’ve learned, wish you knew when, or would do differently?
Look on Craigslist for things you need. Go to your local food pantries, they also have suggestions for other free, or almost free things. Some farmers markets give you two dollars for every one food stamp you spend on fresh fruits and veggies. Churches are a good resource and you don't have to attend a church to get help.

Other thoughts?
Give away what you can. Help others so you don't become mired in the victim mentality. I'm not saying anyone is a victim, I'm saying in my experience, I feel less like a victim of my illness when I help others so I can spend that time looking for other ways to find help. I'm glad I was able to go on SSDI because I was very sick and couldn't function.

 

[Renly]

My t and I discussed disability multiple times (because DID is a real bitch), but I was stubborn (didn’t want it to affect my career outlook for the future) and I was able to take 3 years off while my husband managed the bills. For that I am grateful. I do not know where I’d be without the support of my husband. I recently returned to work part time, but I am fortunate to make my own schedule and there’s no minimum hours I have to meet.

Reading this thread was helpful. I don’t know if I will ever need to access any of these services in the future, but it’s nice to hear about others experiences.