Anyone on disability on here?
[Stream of Conscious ensues]
So, I'm entering a new phase in my life. A phase that will be subsidized by the American taxpayer. I will be receiving benefits from the government of the United States of America for having a disability. I couldn't post this anywhere else due to the stigma and lashings I'd receive for being so grand and blunt and being rather shameless. However, in retrospect, this seems like something I never really expected; but, happened to step into due to my predicament.
I have some comfort in knowing that I will be able to attend college at the same time while receiving benefits. So, this predicament of living with mom and helping out somehow while possibly going to college at the same time is kind of a surprise to me and comforts. As most things in life, we don't know what to expect and this predicament wasn't something I really expected.
At the very least, this is some bedrock that I stand in currently. I will get some money and be able to live off the benefits I get. The prospect of this current state of affairs becoming a long-term reality is something that however worries me (my closest friend is a hardcore right-winger). Maybe I've bought into the right-wing meme propaganda and am starting to emulate their belief system about being a drag on the economy and slowing progress yada-yada. It just in some sense bothers me that I will be on disability and dependant on the Amerian taxpayer. But, then again do Americans complain about the subsidized food and coal that we burn to feed and power our homes? I don't know, there's clearly some cognitive dissonance vibrating here that needs some minor attention.
To not continue on a tangent, I was wondering if anyone else has some experience with the issue? Or what do other more liberal and left-wing members of other states have to say? Would it be really beneficial to me to be able to move to some pro-social welfare European country where I could start over? America has tired me to some degree. Not that I stand above the values of American society, rather that I can't really realize any. It feels like things are changing but not in the way I could have hoped for. I'm not really depressed or suicidal over this predicament. I'm a Stoic regardless of what attitude or sentiment I might profess. Rather I feel that I have some options, which entertains me. If you may let me allow to entertain some of them for you:
My options are to wait for disability to arrive and go to a college whilst living with mom and waiting for a possible housing, in my area, may become available, as I've applied. My other option is still not too clear to me; but, entails moving back to Europe to some place 'Scandinavian'. There's a lot of sentiment and 'sense of belonging' being professed by those countries that deeply conveys to me as a being and social animal. I'm speaking about my personal bias, but it seems true doesn't it, as one can only ask?
Part of impulsive and daring me wants to entertain the Scandinavian option. The other philosophical part is interested in staying put, appreciating what you have, and entertaining the soft, sorrowful, apologetic, me to live with mother and in loving care be with her until the death. *breathes depply*
There's a strong rift; but, the philosophical me is winning. I'm happy with what I have and want to appreciate it more; but, is it time for me to dare into the yonder and see how I measure up to life?
I don't know, any other thoughts much appreciated!
So, I'm entering a new phase in my life. A phase that will be subsidized by the American taxpayer. I will be receiving benefits from the government of the United States of America for having a disability. I couldn't post this anywhere else due to the stigma and lashings I'd receive for being so grand and blunt and being rather shameless. However, in retrospect, this seems like something I never really expected; but, happened to step into due to my predicament.
I have some comfort in knowing that I will be able to attend college at the same time while receiving benefits. So, this predicament of living with mom and helping out somehow while possibly going to college at the same time is kind of a surprise to me and comforts. As most things in life, we don't know what to expect and this predicament wasn't something I really expected.
At the very least, this is some bedrock that I stand in currently. I will get some money and be able to live off the benefits I get. The prospect of this current state of affairs becoming a long-term reality is something that however worries me (my closest friend is a hardcore right-winger). Maybe I've bought into the right-wing meme propaganda and am starting to emulate their belief system about being a drag on the economy and slowing progress yada-yada. It just in some sense bothers me that I will be on disability and dependant on the Amerian taxpayer. But, then again do Americans complain about the subsidized food and coal that we burn to feed and power our homes? I don't know, there's clearly some cognitive dissonance vibrating here that needs some minor attention.
To not continue on a tangent, I was wondering if anyone else has some experience with the issue? Or what do other more liberal and left-wing members of other states have to say? Would it be really beneficial to me to be able to move to some pro-social welfare European country where I could start over? America has tired me to some degree. Not that I stand above the values of American society, rather that I can't really realize any. It feels like things are changing but not in the way I could have hoped for. I'm not really depressed or suicidal over this predicament. I'm a Stoic regardless of what attitude or sentiment I might profess. Rather I feel that I have some options, which entertains me. If you may let me allow to entertain some of them for you:
My options are to wait for disability to arrive and go to a college whilst living with mom and waiting for a possible housing, in my area, may become available, as I've applied. My other option is still not too clear to me; but, entails moving back to Europe to some place 'Scandinavian'. There's a lot of sentiment and 'sense of belonging' being professed by those countries that deeply conveys to me as a being and social animal. I'm speaking about my personal bias, but it seems true doesn't it, as one can only ask?
Part of impulsive and daring me wants to entertain the Scandinavian option. The other philosophical part is interested in staying put, appreciating what you have, and entertaining the soft, sorrowful, apologetic, me to live with mother and in loving care be with her until the death. *breathes depply*
There's a strong rift; but, the philosophical me is winning. I'm happy with what I have and want to appreciate it more; but, is it time for me to dare into the yonder and see how I measure up to life?
I don't know, any other thoughts much appreciated!
Comments (51)
How does one go from being on disability in America to living in some Scandinavian country without dual citizenship? The hurdles for the Scandinavian option are so much more arduous than those in the home country, right? I've the impression that no country really wants to let anyone in who isn't categorically special, useful or rich.
Well, I have dual-citizenship with Poland, which is part of the EU and thus what would remain is to apply for residency in another EU nation to become a member. Something like that last I rationalized through the process.
You don't actually "apply for residence", but rather you go there, rent a place, and then sort out the residence aspect. But to rent a place, the letting agent, unless you're very wealthy, will want to see that you are employed somewhere (or at least have a source of income, but being employed is more certain).
Can a preeminently apply for benefits if I have such a status? I mean, I'm pretty sure official documents from the US of A would suffice or is this place to place dependant on individual law based country?
If you need it then you need it. Nothing to be ashamed about.
A preeminently what? I'm not sure if you can apply for residence from outside the country.
Quoting Posty McPostface
It is dependent on the individual law of the country, and also the manners in which the law is applied in practice. The law itself and the application of the law are always somewhat different.
Yeah, but I'm afraid the truth is I don't want to work. *gasps*
It may; but, I haven't lived continuously in Poland for almost a decade. I don't know how that might affect my ability to establish residency in other EU states.
I might have to stick it out in Poland for a while before I can come over to Sweden or Finland. Norway is a place I would consider too depending on the inter-European laws they have with the EU.
Although how does disability benefit work in the U.S? In the UK you get it even if you work.
I was afraid you would say that. I can't say that that is true. Time will decide.
Why not? It depends on your motivations you see.
When most people say they don't want to work, they really mean they don't want to work a certain job, or in certain conditions. It helps to know what those are for you. For example, for myself, I don't want to work for someone else anymore. And I really can't since I'm very independent-minded, I'd get fired very easily. The only time I'd do it is if I literarily starve. So I know that I can't work if someone else sets the time for me, sets how I need to dress, and bosses me around.
So knowing that, then I can base my life around that. Which is what I've been doing for the last 1-2 years or so. Develop a skill, hone it, expand it, keep growing. Find the type of work you can do. I'm not really passionate about anything in particular, so I don't really care about the skill. I picked web development because I've done some programming before, and found it interesting. Also makes it easier since you can work from anywhere. And recently I've expanded into online marketing too, which is also very interesting. I've learned a lot of design skills over time as well, and I feel my knowledge is becoming more and more solid. Now I pretty much no longer doubt my abilities to "earn a living" assuming I don't get sick and the like. A lot of work pays off sooner or later.
Quoting Posty McPostface
I don't think it affects it in any way. You are still a Polish citizen.
Just for that matter, I work for a guy who makes 200k USD a month selling SARM's and etizolam online. So, my view of work has dramatically changed since working predominantly minimum wage jobs for 8 years.
Yes, money can come very easily from some types of work, but it takes years to develop the infrastructure and practical knowledge required to pull it off. But you're better off working independently than employed for someone else in building that kind of infrastructure.
It's just that my quantitative understanding of 'work' has changed dramatically. It's really hard to return to a minimum wage job after seeing the gross profits some can make on insane margins importing goods from China and selling them in the US.
Meaning, that I no longer desire to do work for money; but, rather doing 'good' instead of the selfish aspect of making money at work.
>:O . Yes, but it's not so easy to set up that kind of business. It would actually be a lot easier in a country like Poland. Because most people there aren't very familiar with this stuff. Going to less developed countries with such knowledge, always makes making an income much easier.
Even then though, setting up such a business and getting it right from the first time takes a lot of work. Presumably you'd want some minimal experience (at least, let's say 5 paid projects in each) in terms of web development, web design, copywriting, Google Adwords/Adsense, importing/exporting, blogging, online marketing and shipping (if you sell internationally). If you have that, then you understand all the steps involved very well, and can even hire others to do it for you. You'll be very familiar with how it goes, and you can even hire not so good ones and pay them less because you can instruct them what to do and guide them along the way.
One can fantasize, while on disability.
LOL! >:O So you plan to be a disabled millionaire? :-O
I don't know where you got that idea. I meant to say that I'm in no place to offer other people work if I can't d any myself.
I'm sure Posty McPostface is a better administrator of the funds than the government.
*sighs of relief*
I can't remember how old you are, but you haven't earned very high income in the past, right? So, your disability payment is probably not very large. Do apply for housing assistance. At least in this state, disabled and elderly are the first in line for public housing. But be realistic--how long is the waiting list? If it's 1 year long, not too bad. Ten years... a different story. But sign up anyway. In 10 years you will still need housing.
Do apply for food assistance (food stamps). It will help your disability payment go farther.
I assume that you qualified for disability with a doctor's support. Keep a relationship with your doctor, or some other doctor, because when your case is reviewed you will need to support your claim again. (Most people keep their disability status, because they really are disabled.)
Be sure that going to college doesn't undermine your claim to disability. Taking a full load or better and getting very good grades would kind of undermine your claim. (This would be relevant at the time of your review in several years.)
Yes, you can work and collect disability at the same time, but not work full time for years on end and still collect disability. There is a program for people who want to try returning to work. Your benefit level may sort of force you to work to make ends meet, at least part time, if your benefit level is at the minimum.
What is your medical insurance situation like at this point? Medicaid? (I'm assuming you are not qualified for Medicare yet.)
My partner was disabled for the last 15 years of his life. It greatly improved the quality of his life. Most people who are disabled do much better with disability than without it.
As always, good luck.
Quoting Bitter Crank
Remaining weak shouldn't be a strength.
There is no reason for a client to risk having benefits to which he is legitimately entitled taken away because of misinterpretation of the client's intent. I'm just suggesting that our client use some caution.
Thanks for the advice. I'm already on food stamps, and I believe I've applied for housing in my area. I also have Medicare or Medicaid (whatever covers drugs I get in full.)
Quoting Bitter Crank
Yes, I suppose that is a concern. I will have to confirm that I can go to college and be on disability at the same time.
Quoting Bitter Crank
I figure cash jobs might be my best bet. Plenty of stuff to do for cash in California, now that Cannabis is legal.
Quoting Bitter Crank
Thanks!
What's the motivation in making this statement? I've always resented that social Darwinian attitude professed by the right, in the U.S.
Great, now I'm a client. How much do I owe you two? >:O
That weakness shouldn't be a strength is just a way to avoid real life irony. I don't care if you resent it.
So, being eligible for being on disability makes me weak or that staying on disability and preferring to do nothing would make me weak?
I'm saying that if you are disabled, you should receive the benefit of the disability insurance, but I'm also saying that any system that incentivizes you to be disabled is a bad one.
If you have the ability to strengthen yourself in any manner, whether that means to receive treatment and get healthier or to receive additional training to place yourself in a position to work despite your disability, you should do that. It's just a basic statement that you should mitigate your disability to the greatest extent possible, and refusing to treat, to train, or do whatever to get yourself not disabled says something significant about your moral worth.
To your specific question, you are as a matter of fact weaker if you can do less than those around you, and it's your own fault if you choose that weakness by your refusal to do anything about it. If there is no avenue for you to eliminate your disability status, then you should take advantage of the system that is in place which was designed for those unfortunate souls like you, who simply cannot enter the work force through no choice of their own.
Ok, that makes sense. I was afraid you might go all right-wing on me and say that it would be better to kill myself as to not be a drag on others around me, as I have a right win friend who claims that they'd rather kill themselves knowing that they are dependant on disability and so on.
If you've followed what I said in this thread, my conception of work has changed. I no longer view 'working' for money; but, rather have money be something that I make as a secondary thing. Meaning, I'm quite interested in working and doing something I love and would feel proud of helping or benefiting others rather than myself.
I guess, what I'm saying is that I don't really care for money, not that this is because I'm on disability now and Uncle Sam will send me a check; but, it's been an attitude I've had for a long time.
However, your post still brings up another problem. What would you have to say to the clinically depressed person who really doesn't want to work or do anything other than ruminating in their bed or try and kill time online or on these forums due to their diagnosis? I'm starting to see myself falling in that category of sorts and no amount of talk therapy or money motivates me.
Is a Cynic weak for not working and spending time with others or just sees things differently?
For people in this situation, religious participation, volunteering, a dog that needs to be walked every day, and such activities can help a great deal.
It's like you're fishing for an insult from me or something. If you're clinically depressed and that diagnosis was made by someone with greater expertise than me, and that is considered to keep you from working, then I'm not doubting the finding, and I'd say you are legitimately disabled. I have no doubts about the legitimacy of mental illness, including depression.
A "cynic" isn't a type of depressed person, but is someone with a particular viewpoint. Being cynical is not a legitimate basis for not working I'd say.
Then, just off the cuff, do priests or monks 'work'? As I think there's some gap in understanding between us about what constitutes a 'working man or woman'.
It was not Wells Fargo and I can't say which bank on any type of social media. However, if you are implying that the fact he was blind caused him to give a lesser service to the customers you would be wrong. He had special equipment that allowed him interact with his computer in braille. I have also worked with coworkers in wheelchairs, and people with metal handicaps. Not everyone with a "disability" allows it to limit them.
Of course I was implying no such thing. I was making a joke along the lines of "You'd have to be blind not to see what was going on..."
My comment was aimed at Wells Fargo (and their various fraud problems) not the blind. It would just seem that at Wells Fargo, there must have been someone with very little vision keeping an eye on the bosses -- which is where their fraud originated.
If you are implying that I am prejudiced against handicapped people, you would be wrong.
I got the joke I just didn't think it was funny.
I think, going on disability for mental issues is in large part an issue arising from a sense of ineptitude or incompetence. Mainly depression I would say. Do you think so too?
I was institutionalized against my will for having paranoid delusional schizophrenia and was diagnosed with severe depression with suicidal ideation. While I was there I had them give me a job cleaning up the grounds. I had a job before I went in, while I was having delusions, and I got a job when I got out.
Kudos, I'm in a similar boat. I was institutionalized by the military for mixed depression and anxiety; but, later came to terms with the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, which I found horrid and hard to accept (it was made even before the military attempt, which I disregarded and gave the Air Force a shot anyway).
I think I've tried in the past (my friend tells me I haven't actually tried anything in my life, which could be true also); but, am now kinda... well... givin up trying as much. Could be the mood stabilizer/antipsychotic though. I love Zyprexa for being such a powerful med; but, am hoping to change it to something else less sedating.
Do you mind if I PM you about these matters?
When I got out I dropped all the anxiety and depression medication I was on, they didn't help they just made me feel slightly stoned, and I didn't like that. I am of the philosophy that I need my sharpest wit to handle the cards dealt.
Quoting Posty McPostface
PM if you like, but I am currently working 20+ hours a week and going to college full time (non traditional student I am in my late 30s), so don't expect a speedy reply.
So, no meds for the delusions? How do you do that? I'm too scared of dropping my mood stabilizer to even consider what you did, although I did not take any medication for the depression and anxiety while in the military.
"So, no meds for the delusions?"
I don't have delusions anymore, the episodes are triggered by some variable yet to be officially identified. I inherited the condition from my father. He had multiple episodes over his life. The doctors believe the trigger is stress, hence all the drugs. I decided if the trigger was stress, I would mange my own stress levels without the meds. I'll be honest the few years after that choice were the hardest of my life, but here I am over 15 years with no repeat episodes and no meds.
The joke was funny, and it didn't seem like you got it.
Relative.
Quoting Hanover
I am sure there are a lot of things you miss.