I just came back from speaking to a social worker...

[ThomCat]

I am getting very tired of bad news.

1. Every agency I speak to says the same thing. Come back when you're fully disabled. But when I'm finally so disabled that I can't work anymore I won't be able to get around to see all these agencies either. I'll be non-mobile and essentially quadriplegic. That's why I'm trying to organize this stuff now.
x(

2. It sounds like they want me to quit working now while I'm still semi-mobile and spend my time, full time, begging for support from an endless round of agencies and charities. I don't want to stop working until I physically can't work anymore. So instead, going from agency to agency is a part time job I have on the side.

3. I've paid too much into Social Security, apparently. I apparently won't have any problem getting approved for Social Security Disability, but I'll get too much to qualify for medicare and not enough to afford private health care (and with my pre-existing conditions there's no way I'd ever be able to get private insurance anyway). So the day I stop working I will lose all health care. No meds, no doctors, nothing. I can't survive without my meds and health care so I guess I'm seriously expected to die when I can't work anymore.

4. I will get too much Social Security to qualify for home health aides too, but I won't be able to afford to pay someone to care for me. So if I somehow find meds to keep me going I won't be able to get food or take care of myself wherever I'm living.

5. Housing also looks like it will be a major problem. I won't be able to afford to stay where I am. My rent would take my entire social security check. And I'll need a place that's wheelchair accessible. But everyplace I'm finding either requires that you be over 65 or they require that you pay far more than I'll have.

One social worker told me that it's probably best if I become homeless and go through the shelter system. Because that apparently makes me "a priority for shared housing services." But those shared housing services aren't handicapped accessible, so the best advice they can offer me is that I should stand in line at homeless shelters and apply to get a room in a boarding house.
:(

I'm incredibly frustrated. I have to do everything I can to work until I'm ready to die no matter how disabled I am because the day I stop working I will have 30 days of meds and one month of rent left and then I will lose absolutely everything. What a wonderful way to end a career.

Anyway, I'm not looking for sympathy or anything. I'm just venting. I'm still meeting with more agencies and social workers. Hopefully I'll find some kind of an options out there somewhere.

[Dangerously Amused]

1. Oh god. No words.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

30. Yes, I agree. It's incredibly frustrating over and over and over again.

I keep finding a lot of very incredibly nice people who would really love to be able to help me, but not only can't they help, they don't know who can. :(

But I'm not nearly done yet, and I have always found a way to make things work before. :)

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear ThomCat...

I cannot believe what a fucked-up system (if you can even call it that) we have...

I am outraged, and so sorry that this is what you're facing...

I am nearly speechless with rage, and wish like anything that I could do something, anything to help you!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

31. Hi Peggy,

We really do have a piecemeal system that is designed not to work. It's designed to force people to live off of their families.

Unfortunately, when that isn't an option things get bad.

I'm starting to hear how common it is for people with serious disabilities to end up homeless and just sort of disappear. I refuse to be one of those people.

You are going to see me posting all about this wonderful trip I'm on. I really don't want to take it entirely alone, and I have no intention of disappearing until I've exhausted every source of information and aid I can find out there.

[Fire Walk With Me]

3. Do you have any chance of moving to a country where they actually take care of people?

"Sicko" is a lovely eye-opener.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

16. I'd love to move to Canada. I have friends there.

But you have to be employed and employable to become a citizen. There definitely isn't a citizenship path for someone who would only be a drain on their resources. :(

[Redstone]

4. The worst part is that I'm not surprised to hear this.

Your tax dollars at work, as usual. Hope things get beter for you.

Redstone

[ThomCat]

32. Thank you, Redstone.

I hope there are some pleasant surprises out there. I hope I find them. I'd love to post about good news and good developments. :)

[mike_c]

5. you should send this post to your congressional rep and senators....

Seriously.

I hope things turn out better than they seem right now.

[ThomCat]

17. That's a good idea.

I doubt I'll get much more than sympathy, because I don't have anything specific I can ask them to do on my behalf. But it can't hurt.

[Flaxbee]

26. I was going to suggest the same thing --

write to / send this post to state and federal reps and senators, maybe even pen a letter to the editor of local papers. I don't want to turn your life into a circus, but this is the kind of story that news stations do run sometimes, too -- the 'what's wrong with our system' kind of story. And as you replied to mike_c, it might not do anything, but at this point it seems you need to try every opportunity you can.

Write to nonprofit foundations that deal with health care issues, too, if you can. If you want help finding some, let me know.

You will not be mobile, I understand, but could you still consult with the work you do? Would it be possible to work / telecommute with a firm that could use your skills w/o needing you in an office?

My mother has a debilitating disease that attacks the connective tissues of her body, and while she's relatively mobile, she absolutely cannot be without pain meds (that cost a freaking fortune) or she's literally incoherent, writhing on the floor in horrible pain. I had two sisters to help me, but we finally relocated her from California, where I grew up and she'd lived for the past 30 years of her life, to a much-less-populous state where one of my sisters had settled, and we've actually been able to get very good care for her there - fewer people needing state resources. Now, she has the benefit of being over 65, but California was too crowded, had too many people needing services, and just couldn't/wouldn't help. I don't know how wedded you are to the idea of staying in NYC, but if there are areas you would consider moving, maybe where you have some friends or family, those states might have less strain on their resources and the hurdle for help might not be so high.

It is just such BULLSHIT that someone would actually tell you to become homeless!!!

:hug: :hug: to you, ThomCat

[ThomCat]

34. Hi Flaxbee

I can't tell you how appalled I was when he actually suggested being homeless. And he said it very calmly as if it was routine advice. I wonder if it. :(

I am definitely not wedded to NYC. As long as I can work I'm definitely stuck here. But once I can't work I know I'll need to move. I'm prepared for that.

My current job cannot be done remotely, so I can't telecommute now. But when the day comes that I have to leave that job, I'd be open to finding other telecom jobs that can be done remotely. I've worked in Telecom for over 15 years. I have a lot of knowledge and skill. It's just a matter of searching.

One more thing to search for. :P

[fudge stripe cookays]

97. Hey Thom--

I'm so sorry to hear this.

As bad as everyone makes Dallas sound, consider the fact that the Telecom Corridor, although not quite as large as it once was, is huge around the Richardson area.

You could probably live quite comfortably there, since the cost of living is PENNIES compared to what it is in NY. There is a commuter train that goes from Dallas up to Richardson, and there are buses, some that are handicap equipped.

Inside the LBJ Loop in Dallas is mostly blue, but the outer subrubs is where the assholes tend to congregate. And I know from experience that we have some wonderful DUers around the Dallas area who would love to meet you and help you get acclimated (derby378, ginbarn, crispini, yellowdogintexas and so many others)

I wish you luck. This is such a difficult situation for you to be in. And as they say...but for the grace of God go I.

[I Have A Dream]

6. I'm so sorry, ThomCat. I wish that I could fix it for you.

:cry:

[ThomCat]

35. I wish we could fix this for everyone.

I can't believe that this is the system anyone really wants. :(

[Gormy Cuss]

7. Thom, I understand your frustration.

It is pretty much a full time job to figure out and maintain eligibility for assistance. The red tape and morass of regulations requires a strong person's attention. You're a smart and resourceful guy and no doubt you will persevere but I'm sorry that it's going to be such a PITA in the meantime.

I wish that I knew someone in the disability rights arena, but I'm afraid that I'm out of my league.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

18. I know a lot of people in the Disability Rights field

and they're all saying, "I'm sorry. I can't promise anything, but I can put you in touch with another social worker."

[FloridaJudy]

8. Oh Jeez.

You would think it would be in everyone's best interest to keep you mobile and working as long as possible. The whole system is thoroughly FUBAR.

It infuriates me that people like you who've worked all their lives can lose everything because of illness. If we can't take care of our own people, why bother paying taxes? So that Halliburton can accumulate even more obscene profits?

This whole situation makes me so mad I could spit.

Keep on venting. And here's a hug. :hug:

[ThomCat]

36. Hi FloridaJudy!

Thank you. :hug:

I've said for years that I'd happily pay higher taxes if those taxes took care of people. It's a damned shame that the republicans in the 80s convinced so many people that everyone who receives assistance is a deadbeat.

I'm going to be just one of many of Reagan's victims. :(

[Sugar Smack]

9. Jesus, honey.

x( I have no words for that, only warmth for you. I'm thinking about you.

[ThomCat]

Thank you, Sugar Smack.

:hug:

It's because I am not alone that I'm able to hang on and be so stuborn. I'm glad you're here to listen and give me a hug. :)

[Frosty1]

10. Don't Panic!

I thought all people on Social Security qualify for medicare after a one or is it two year wait? Perhaps you mean Medicaid?
There are programs out there to get free meds for those who can't afford them. Once you are classified as disabled you probably will qualify for senior housing programs that are based on 1/3 of your income and they are handicapped accessible. I sounds a lot scarier that it really needs to be.

[ThomCat]

19. It is very possible

that I'll qualify for healthcare after a 2 years. I still have to meet with someone at Social Security to find out their details, rules and proceedures. But I won't survive the 2 year wait.

I have found some programs that charge 1/3 income for housing, but one requires that you be at least 55, and the others require that you be at least 65. I'm turning 40 this year.

I need to find some that have openings and see if I can get an exemption of some kind, but I've already been told that those are rare and take years. There are waiting lists of up to 5 years to get into many of these places.

I'm still looking though.

[Frosty1]

24. Here in Minnesota

If you are disabled the age requirements are waived. It may be the same everywhere. As far as no medical insurance again, once you are disabled you can qualify for Medicaid with a spend down. It helps to keep track of your medical bills to prove what they are.

[Orangepeel]

91. It is 2 years and 5 months

I'm so sorry for your troubles, ThomCat, and I wish you the best. After you stop working, you can go on COBRA for a year (although that is expensive), but that would still leave you in a hole. You will be declared disabled as of a certain date. Then, there is a five month waiting period (for no good reason), and then medicare benefits kick in after that date.

IMO, you don't need a social worker as much as a lawyer. There are lawyers who specialize in SSDI, although they might only take a case that's on appeal.

My husband is disabled, so I know what a nightmare the whole Social Security Disability process is to navigate. Anybody who thinks that there is widespread fraud never tried to get it. Working is a hell of a lot easier for anyone who possibly can.

[lizziegrace]

11. Aww sweetie...

:hug:

I was hoping for viable options. Don't give up hope.

I'll be around tonight if you feel up to talking. :hug:

[ThomCat]

39. I'm too stuborn to give up all hope.

:hug:

And I'm not at the end yet. :)

I am glad I'm one of those people who plans and prepares in advance. I have no idea how anyone manages all of this if they wait until the last moment. I have time to keep looking, and keep finding people who know something, or know someone, or can offer some kind of help.

What do people do when they need help RIGHT NOW and it's not there? :(

[hippywife]

12. I'm so sorry, Thom.

It really does suck that the system lets people who are willing to help themselves as much as they can fall through the cracks. But heaven forbid we raise taxes on higher incomes! Sheesh! This is the sad thing about this country. We don't take care of people who need it.

Keep your head up and don't let them get you down. I know you will, tho, coz that's what you do. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

40. I will definitely keep my head up.

:hug:

I'm frustrated, but I am definitely not done yet. :)

[datasuspect]

13. do you have family?

that might be your next best bet.

[ThomCat]

20. I do have family

But only my mom would take me in. She is a cancer survivor with questionable health herself, she can't affort to take care of me, and she getting to an age where I should be taking care of her. :(

I really can't see myself showing up on her doorstep in an electric wheelchair and expecting her to find a way to house me and care for me. That would kill her. I'll do everything I can to find every other alternative before she even finds out how bad my situation is.

[Writer]

14. I read a post like yours and I naively believe that there has to be a way...

to weave around the system. I always have had the thought that the only people in this country with full benefits are the very young and the very old. If a person is between those extremes and also happens to be ill, no one wishes to represent them.

This is the faulty aspect of democracy. Only those on the fringes get true representation in Congress, while the rest are overlooked.

I think you CERTAINLY should say something to your congressional representative, and I also hope you get the assistance you deserve very, very soon. And if nothing works, call one of the local affiliates and tell them your story.

Also - are you looking outside of Manhattan for assisted living? I wonder if you might find better care elsewhere.

Another question - do you have a life insurance policy with a disability rider? And does your work provide disability insurance of some form?

:hug:'s to you.

~Writer~

[ThomCat]

21. I'm definitely looking outside of NYC.

I know there is no way I'll be able to stay here. I'll have to move someplace cheap. I have a lot of friends in Buffalo, so that's my target area. And the cost of living in Buffalo is cheap.

I'm still hoping to find options. I hopefully have time.

[Connonym]

15. I don't know what to say

Thomcat, I'm so sorry :hug: :hug: :hug: This is all so wrong, so unfair. I wish I could offer more than my outrage and my most sincere wish that you find a way around this.

[ThomCat]

41. Hi Connonym!

:hi:

You're offering a hell of a lot, and I appreciate it. :hug:

Having you (and other really good people here) as a sounding board, and a source of emotional support really helps a lot with the frustration. I really feel like I spend days beating my head against a wall, like that animation in my signature. But it's not so unbearable when I can talk about it. :)

[Inchworm]

22. I have a good idea of what you are going through

I think it's odd that the disability is too much yet one cannot (or barely can) survive off it. But, I know that it is true. It seems they plan their cut-off numbers around it. It sucks.

Are you sure you wont get MediCARE? It is really just a premium type insurance. MediCADE, on the other hand, is usually unavailable to those who worked a lot and get higher disability income. Another program that you won't be eligible for probably is SSI (I think thats the one). It is supplamental security income that you get if your disability income is real low.

I forget what state you are in atm but here in NC there is a program called "Stay in Home" or something like that. The nice thing about this program here was that it is a judgement call rather than straight numbers. It is a program designed to help keep disabled people from being forced into a rest home due to finances. The gov't here decided that the kazillion dollars they would have to pay to keep you in a home would be saved if they just tossed you enough change to be able to survive privately.

I hate you are going through this Thom.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

42. According to the social workers

I definitely won't get medicade, and I almost certainly won't get medicare. Though I have to speak to social security directly because they three different people now kept saying, "But I don't know for sure. You'll have to go check that out yourself."

It would be nice if the social workers were sure. :(

I've heard of a similar program to "Stay in Home" but I don't have any information about it yet. It's one of many things that I have to keep searching for. It seems that I'm building quite a file of people's names, names of agencies and programs, contact numbers, and eligability restrictions.

:hug:

[Inchworm]

48. I would put my money on "Thom will be eligible for Medicare."

and I don't have much money.

Medicare is what you pay FICA for. It is federal so the Social Service(state) folks wouldnt be the best people to ask.

I assume you visit the hospital often? A good resourse at a good hospital is the Social Worker in the Rehab wing or Trama. They are well informed on ho to fast track assistance. They do this because they really dont want to make ppl better and toss them in the street.

Just for info on Medicare go here...
http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/Home.asp?dest=NAV|Home|GeneralEnrollment#TabTop

If you have been working you should qualify for Medicare. What exactly you qualify for is really the question. Will you pay premium? Will the premium be covered? etc...

Keep plugging. I know it sucks to hear that. At least you arent being silly and thinking screw all these gov't people, I can make it without them commy bastids! :blush:

:hug:

[ThomCat]

57. You seem to know more about this

than either of the last two social workers I spoke to. :)

Thank you very much for this.

[Inchworm]

60. You are welcome

I have a real good idea what you are experiencing with the "agency rigamarole." As for knowing your pain, I am clueless.

Sucks that you gotta go through it, but hey, such is life right. You gotta do what ya gotta do. If you ever run into any roadblocks feel free to PM me. I have an iron head and we can figure out how you can use me as a battering ram. :P

:yourock:

[Pierre.Suave]

23. Wow

I have no words other than to say that is so unfair.

I cant imagine how frustrating it must be for you.

I am sorry you have to go through this though, and I wish there was something I could do.

[ThomCat]

43. Hi jasonc,

:hi:

I long ago got over thinking the world is fair. I just wish our government was run by people who were compassionate. That would go a hell of a long way towards making things bearable for me and a lot of other people. :(

Everyplace I go it's wonderful people trying to squeeze more help out of starving programs. And those programs are starving because corporations need more money.
x(

[Pierre.Suave]

74. yeah, it is sad all around

I agree.

I work with homeless men and women all day everyday. I see it everyday.

We have let them down as a country. We need to do more.

I wish you the best.

[raccoon]

25. I'm sorry this is happening, ThomCat.

"3. I've paid too much into Social Security, apparently. I apparently won't have any problem getting approved for Social Security Disability, but I'll get too much to qualify for medicare and not enough to afford private health care" :wtf:

I hope things work out for you.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

44. Thank you!

:hug:

It really is fucked up. I'm still really amazed and pissed off that someone actually advocated being homeless as an option. That was truly a :wtf: statement.

[MissMillie]

27. wanna move?

I would be willing to share space w/ you.... and find space that would work for us both.

[ThomCat]

29. I will definitely want to talk to you

when I see you in two weeks. :)

[Rising Phoenix]

28. all I can say is

:hug:

and

:loveya:

damn the man

[ThomCat]

45. That says a whole lot!

:hug:

[MagickMuffin]

33. I'm sorry to hear about what is happening to you ThomCat

Have you contacted your Rep. to see why you're having such a hard time getting help?

They probably would just shrug you off, but you should at least let them know the system is failing you.

Maybe after the White House has new leadership things will change. Not very likely, but we can hope.

I hope you can find some sort of help. Sounds as though you will be needing it.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

46. I'm going to be writing to HRC and Schumer.

Neither one is very good at responding to letters. I've written to both of them on other political issues before. Usually the only response is fund raising appeals, not even a form letter response acknowledging the letter I sent. :(

But it can't hurt to send another letter, about my personal situation this time.

:hug:

[MagickMuffin]

52. I understand about the slow response time from the Reps.

I sent a letter expressing my concerns about the Mukasey nomination to DiFi back before the vote. I finally got a response last week:shrug: A little too late.

So, keep at it I suppose, can't hurt. Funny thing, but really mostly sad, that they have the best "socialized healthcare" that we PROVIDE for them, but when it comes to us then we are on our own. I don't have ANY healthcare. But at least my Reps. can sleep at night knowing they don't ever have to worry about their healthcare coverage. I think with all of the annual pay raises that they receive they should pay for their own healthcare. I don't think they would like it very much.

Good Luck with your situation:hug:

[MagickMuffin]

53. deleted posted twice

:shrug:

[malta blue]

37. my dear friend....

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

All of this has made me so sad and ANGRY at our system. They actually told you to become homeless?!?!?

Thom - I will open my door to you if you ever need a place to live. I have pets, a kid, and a husband - and we are all carnivorous, but I will make us learn a vegan way to cook for you and care for you.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

47. You are an amazing, wonderful person.

:hug:

If all else fails I have an elderly aunt and uncle who are talking about moving into a larger place just to have room to take me in. I don't know how long that would work, given their age and health. My aunt is at the end of her life. But we could at least combine our resources to get a single home health aide. it's a last-resort option.

I plan to work my ass off now while I still can to find every option available to me so that I don't burden, bankrupt or bother anyone. I have no illusions about how much work it's going to require to take care of me when I can't do it anymore. I love my friends too much (including you :hug:) to do that to anyone.

[malta blue]

49. ...

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

I am so sad Thom. I can't believe this is happening to you.

If you need anything, and I mean it, please do not hesitate to contact me.

~R.

[VenusRising]

38. I'm so sorry, honey.

Not fair. Not fair. Not fair.

I'm sorry that it's so difficult to set yourself up for when the inevitable comes. You should definitely print out this post and send it to your congress critter, senator, state senator, governor, and anyone else you can think of. A lot of time, the squeaky wheel gets oiled. So, even though it may not help others that are in your situation, you may get your needs attended to.

If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

All the love, good thoughts, and vibes coming your way for a quick resolution.

:hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug:

:loveya:

[ThomCat]

50. Hi VenusRising!

:hug:

By the time I'm done I'll have spoken to everyone who will listen. :)

[Bossy Monkey]

51. Wish I had more to give than sympathy and cyberhugs

but you have those at least.:hug: And if you want to husband your energy, I'm happy to do your cussing, yelling and screaming for you.:)

[ThomCat]

58. When the time comes that I have the appropriate audience

I'll gladly invite you to cuss, yell and scream with me. We'll form a chorus they can't help but hear. :hug:

[KamaAina]

54. Have you been to CIDNY yet?

and/or contacted the CIL in Buffalo?

<shameless-plug> In independent living, we reject the bureaucratic/social work mindset you describe in such loving detail. At our center, about 80 percent of what we do involves housing (which, believe it or not, is nearly as tight on O'ahu as in NYC!, and with no rent control or anything!) They should have someone to help you navigate the benefits maze, too. </shameless-plug>

As for the mook who suggested you become homeless -- could we have our latest Top Ten Conservative Idiot??

[ThomCat]

61. One of my appointments today with at the Center for Independent Living.

Unfortunately, the center here on Staten Island seems to be smaller and less competent than the one I'm more familiar with up in Buffalo.

I spoke to the benefits person and the housing expert on staff. The benefits person didn't seem very knowledgeable. The housing person knew a lot, but mostly what he knew was that there is almost no housing available in NYC, and I don't qualify for it. :(

He recommended I get on a 5 year waiting list for public housing in a city-owned tenement. If/when I qualify for Section 8 the city would accept that for my rent. But would it be accessible housing? There's no way of knowing until I get to the top of the waiting list and find out what they can offer me. Would it be in an accessible location? There's no way of knowing that either.

It's an option, and I'm looking into it. It's the first practical advice I've heard so far. But it's incredibly doubtful that I can wait 5 years to find a subsidized place to live. There is also the problem that I would have to live alone to use Section 8 housing vouchers. But I can't live alone and take care of myself anymore. So I have a roommate. I'd have to get rid of the roommate and pay a home care aid to come in instead.

The housing expert agreed with the social worker, though. Becoming homeless and going through the shelter system is apparently one of the big mechanisms in NYC for finding housing support. I can understand that getting homeless people off the street MUST be a priority. But how about preventing people from becoming homeless first? :(

[KamaAina]

65. I was not aware that S.I. even had its own center

or, for that matter, that you were out there. It is at least affordable, by NYC standards...

They apparently don't even have a web page. Not exactly confidence-inspiring...

Becoming homeless and going through the shelter system is apparently one of the big mechanisms in NYC for finding housing support.

Egads. Puts me in mind of the uninsured using the emergency room as a doctor's office. Michael Moore, check your inbox...

[mentalsolstice]

55. Have you talked to these folks?

Thom,
Have you talked to the NYS Independent Living Council? Here's a link to their website, http://www.nysilc.org/home-page.htm. Within the site is an interesting article about NY's housing crisis for persons with disabilities, http://www.nysilc.org/primary_source/housing_crisis.htm, by Robert Davies. Perhaps he would be a worthwhile contact.

I get SSDI, you'll be automatically eligible for Medicare 2 years after qualifying for SSDI. The rule sucks a big one for sure, I don't know what the point of making the most vulnerable wait 2 years for coverage is, but that's amurika for ya.

Good luck!

[ThomCat]

63. I just posted above, that yes, I just spoke to them.

:)

I used to do volunteer work though an organization affiliated with the ILC in Buffalo. I'm far more familiar with them upstate than down here, but I definitely made a point of contacting them.

Edit to add: That's a damned good article. You might want to post that as GD (or I might do it later).

I think people need to know that assistance for people with disabilities is set up so that we can't afford to live on our own, and it costs the state huge amounts of unnecessary money.

[fizzgig]

56. i wish i could do something to make it better, thom

the system here is so beyond fucked up and disgusting.

but i will never run out of :hug: for you

[ThomCat]

64. I really appreciate that.

:hug:

The system is totally fucked up, but with help I'll figure out a way through all of this. :)

[amitten]

59. I'm so sorry. So so sorry.

You're in my prayers. I KNOW you will find a way through.

[ThomCat]

66. Thank you.

I will find a way. And I'm still digging and keeping a lot of notes. :)

By the time I can't work anymore, I will probably be knowledgeable enough to start advocating for other people with disabilities. I'm sure there are volunteer organizations I could hook up with.

[Maraya1969]

62. ThomCat I am so sorry. I've been wracking my brain here trying to think

of something that would help you. The only thing I can come up with is, can you buy into Medicare after you get disability? I know that people who have a very low SSD benefit do not have to pay for medicare and the ones with the higher benefit amount, (which is you) have to pay for it. I never heard of them not allowing a person to buy into medicare when they are on SSD. That would be so counter productive to refuse medical insurance for a person who is being "taken care of", by the government because they are too ill to work.

I've been down this road and it can be humiliating and frustrating. I'm sorry you have to go down it. :hug:

[ThomCat]

67. I'll bet you're right.

If I can get Medicare by paying for it, I'll have to go that route. It'll just be a matter of how much it costs. The people I spoke to only knew about people who get it for free, or at least, that's all they mentioned.

I'm going to have to become an expert to find my way through all of this. :(

:hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

68. let me know if i can help. as long as i have a living room you can always crash here.

or wherever i am.

[ThomCat]

72. Hi Pri!

:hug:

Thank you so much! I hope I never get into a situation where I would need to ask. That's why I'm beating down doors now. But an offer like that makes me feel really good right now. :)

[SallyMander]

69. Oh Thom, i wish i knew anything about any of this

Something that would be helpful to you... But i don't know how to help :(

So instead i will just have to give you little smilie hugs

:hug:

:hug:

:hug:


I am so so sorry that this is all so difficult and complicated for you.

[ThomCat]

73. You're not the only one. I don't know anything about this stuff either.

And it's a very unpleasant situation having to find out.

:hug:
Thank you for the hugs. I can't tell you how much I appreciate them on days like today. :hug:

I get a lot of support here by posting about what I'm finding and experiencing. I hope enough DUers read threads like this to be motivated to keep fighting for universal healthcare. It's really not just poor people. I should be comfortably middle class. Anyone can end up in my situation pretty quickly.

The fact that we have a healthcare crisis among poor people should be enough to motivate good people, but knowing that it can hit anyone should be enough to motivate everyone.

[SallyMander]

92. You are absolutely right

It is so frightening -- one major health issue could push just about anyone into the situation you're in. It breaks my heart and makes me SO ANGRY at the same time -- how can we, as a "civilized" country, not have fixed this by now??? The fact that you would be advised to become HOMELESS as a solution is indicative of the utter madness of the system right now...

:grr:

Anyway, as many hugs are yours as you need my friend :hug: :hug: :hug:

[carly denise pt deux]

70. unbelieveable...........what is wrong with our country?

Make your story public by all means possible, write and tell your story to the newspapers and send a letter to your reps. If this becomes public, and there will be public outrage over this, it may push the reps to do something because of all the fingers pointing etc.

I hope that you get the help you need, you deserve it, and it's awful that an state/fed official would tell you to become homeless...again...what is wrong with this place?
Carly

[ThomCat]

75. After I talk to a few more agencies and a few more social workers,

once I really know what's going on and have a better idea of what the real rules, procedures and expectations are for people in my situation, I'm definitely writing up something to distribute.
:(

[Mutley]

71. Wtf, become homeless and go through the shelter system?

What kind of fucked up, backwards country is this???

Thom, I'm so sorry. I wish I had a solution for you. :hug:

[ThomCat]

77. Hi Mutley!

:hug:

It really is fucked up. My aunt is so outraged that she's been on the phone all morning talking to everyone she knows. I'm more tired now than angry, because it's been a long, exhausting day. But she's still full of angry energy for both of us. :)

People need to know that this is the kind of advice that's given out to people. Instead of preventing homelessness, apparently it is expected that people will be homeless. :(

[Mutley]

80. It makes me sad.

Sad for you, and sad for all of us that we live in this kind of society, and most people don't seem to care. :(

[redqueen]

76. Can you not move to a civilized country?

You know, one with an actual safety net as opposed to a cruel joke of a safety net? I would do so in a heartbeat if only I could.

Sorry you're dealing with this, Thom. :hug:

[ThomCat]

78. If I could move to a real civilized nation I definitely would.

:hug:

Unfortunately, the citizenship requirements for any nation require that you be employable and employed while seeking citizenship. I can't guarantee how long I'll be able to work. So I'm stuck in the U.S.

I should have moved to Canada right after College. :)

[graywarrior]

79. It's always a Catch 22 with these things.

It's all black and white when it comes to disability. I can't believe a disabled person has to be destitute to get help. It's enough to make me want to organize group living for disabled people outside social and government agencies. Wish I could find a way to help you, man.

[ThomCat]

82. It would be a great statement

if we could set up tents and live on the front lawns of every politician until they grow a brain and a concience. :P

But we're the one's least able to do that kind of thing. :(

[graywarrior]

85. I know in Boston, the Center's for Independent Living take to the streets.

http://www.bostoncil.org

I worked with this group from Sarasota. They were disorganized, so it depends on what city and state you are from, but I would contact them.

[BlueIris]

81. Hey, Thom. I meditate for your good fortune often. nt

[ThomCat]

83. Hi BlueIris,

I really appreciate that. :hug:

Good things happen on occasion. Anything that nurtures those occasions is a good thing. And I'll do my best to recognize the good things and appreciate them whenever they happen. :)

[Phillycat]

84. You are in my thoughts...

I'm sorry this is so messed up.

[ThomCat]

86. Hi Janesez,

:hug:

Thank you. I appreciate that. :)

[RainDog]

87. You are so brave

Thank you for sharing this situation. People need to know about the "choices" others face in this country. Ppl here could raise some money. Maybe people here on DU could hire you for jobs and pay with the money raised so that you can keep your insurance. Find out how much a health aide would cost. What better way to honor the holiday season than to make such a difference.

As far as a place to live... maybe you can come across one of those chair lifts for stairs? My father used one of those after he'd lost the use of his legs.

[skygazer]

88. Oh, Thom, how terribly frustrating!

:hug:

The incredibly stupid choices we have to make as Americans to get the most basic care ("become homeless" :wtf: ) is just criminal. I wish I had more to offer besides my friendship and a hug. :hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

89. Thom, please post this in GD. It is a personal testament to why

we need Universal Health Care. You are a brave and courageous soul, and your journey through this system should be known to everyone. :hug:

[huskerlaw]

90. Oh Thom...

I'm so sorry. The father of one of my friends lives in New York and has advanced MS. He actually ended up marrying a non-US citizen who agreed to be his caretaker in exchange for citizenship. Not exactly legal, hence the vagueness, but it really works for both of them. They've been "married" for about 5 years already, and they're both thrilled with the arrangement, ridiculous as it may seem.

A hearty fuck you to the people who have allowed our country to treat you this way.

:hug:

:loveya:

[fishwax]

93. best vibes to you, ThomCat

That sounds very frustrating. :(

I hope you do some other options do open up :hug:

[SPKrazy]

94. sounds like the shits Thom

was this person a licensed social worker, with a degree in social work though?

many people refer to social services workers as social workers when in fact most are not

social workers are trained professionals who work in a variety of settings, few in the areas you are speaking really.

:hug:

sorry man

the road to disability and assistance is covered with booby traps and red tape

makes no sense whatsoever

[sendero]

95. This country is so.

... fucked up, it makes me want to cry sometimes.

[fortyfeetunder]

96. Michael Moore ought to read your story.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope there is a point where you can live comfortably.
I wish Michael Moore could read this post. It reminded me of the stories in Sicko....

[Arugula Latte]

98. USA! ... #1!

:grr:

No words ...

:hug: