SSDI Reform

A person with a Disability or Disabilities(Seen and Unseen) and has real medical proof, Combined with enough Work Credits(FICA Taxes) paid in over time and yet has not enough during the current 10 year window can get denied entry into SSDI, Otherwise they could get SSDI.

Currently a 10 year window exists for getting into SSDI, One has to prove that their Disabled during that time and has to prove that with actual Medical Proof(Not a mere Diagnosis or even ones say so, Either one isn't good enough), Also one needs enough Work Credits paid into the system at the same time(FICA taxes paid in, as SSDI is for Everybody just as Retirement is, Unless You have a spotty work record and/or a spotty and incomplete Medical Record due to being a part of the working Poor, Then You're kept out in SSI Land).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that SSDI is setup all wrong, Work Credits are fine, But one should be able use the accumulated Work Credits along with enough actual Medical proof to get into the SSDI Program at any time, Instead of being told that You have enough Medical Proof now, But Your Work Credits are in the Past and can't be used now, As the Proof and Credits currently have to be there at the same time and You need at least 20 Work Credits and they increase as one gets older and go up to a maximum of 40.

Also SSDI lets the States hire and run a Federal Program with the cheapest most incompetent Doctors they can find(Ones that are the bottom of the barrel so to speak) and so Denial rates among those Who are truly Disabled and are the ones who are not able to work is too high and that results in court fights at the Federal Level or people losing cause of an unproven disability that one day when proven to exist just suddenly comes into existence like It was never there before(Yep that's how the rules work, Proof=Existence to the SSA and that sucks) and yes the disability screening at the Social Security Administration is tough as their rules are mostly fair, It just needs fixing to be fair to all.

There are around 2.9 million Permanently and Medically Disabled SSI Recipients who(Draw about $1,954,600,000.00 a month(as that's $674.00 Per person in 2009 and It's not taxable income), Per Year It's $23,455,200,000.00(This figure goes up every year I might add[Cost Of Living Allocation]) every year and yep that's almost $23.5 Billion Dollars a Year coming from the Treasury and counting, As many that are Qualified for SSDI need to be transferred to SSDI and off of SSI) are Permanently and Medically Disabled and yet can't get into SSDI as they currently don't have enough work credits at the current moment, but have plenty in the past that are going untapped as the Work Credits are spread over time that are just sitting there out of reach cause of the SSDI Programs current rules are drawn up by Congress and those rules penalize the poor who through no fault of their own couldn't see a doctor until after their work credits passed out of reach and that practice needs to be stopped cold. Besides moving People off of SSI and on to SSDI If they have enough Work Credits that they've saved up over time and the Medical Records that are already saying that their Permanently Disabled and so should be in the SSDI Program instead of being on SSI and helping to force the Federal Budget go farther and Farther into deficit/debt like It is now. There are others in the SSI Program Who aren't Disabled, But their Seniors who use the Program as It was Originally meant to be used as, So instead The US Government has 2 Disability Programs as a result instead of one Program.

Sorry If I've repeated anything here in this post(I've tried not to of course), Sounds complicated and It's hard to get My thoughts typed in properly, Speaking's harder still(But at least I'm not as bad as George W. Bush was at speaking).

I've been told that to move People off SSI and on to SSDI would require they be grandfathered in as to their Work Credits and that Congress rarely does this or that they routinely get shot down in the Ways and Means Committee with Bills like this or that It's complicated. Sounds like an excuse to do more of nothing.

Now If We can get dear 'President Barack Hussein Obama' to push this(It wouldn't cost the Taxpayer a Single Dime and would Save plenty of Dimes, Nickels and Quarters) It would help the Federal Government end some waste and duplication of services and would slow the growth of the Federal Deficit from the main Budget(It's the One that the Military, Interior(National Parks), BIA, BLM, DOT, DOE, NASA, FBI, CIA, NSA('No Such Agency' is the in Joke in Wash DC), etc) and maybe eventually help Balance the Budget again like It was under President Clinton.

One can find and then call their elected representative here>> http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/ and You can even look up Who represents You by zip code and write a letter to them.

Isn't the Internet wonderful?

And Yes I've contacted My Congressional Representative(By Phone and by Email), But I could use support from those who have Representative on the Ways and Means Committee.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Thanks SJ for this post. I see many clients a day, who are on the SSDI(the nontaxable part), yet the onces, that deserve it have to spend thousands of dollars in lawyers fees to fight, what should be rightfully theirs, having worked very hard and paid into the system (FICA, the possible taxable part.)

I like this thread. I would also like to hear about expierences from other states or countries posted here.

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Pluto will always be a planet to me.

Seti Ambassador
Not to late to order an Anni Shirt

Thanks SJ for this post. I see many clients a day, who are on the SSDI(the nontaxable part), yet the ones, that deserve it have to spend thousands of dollars in lawyers fees to fight, what should be rightfully theirs, having worked very hard and paid into the system (FICA, the possible taxable part.)

I like this thread. I would also like to hear about experiences from other states or countries posted here.

You are quite Welcome uli and post away. :)

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Here's a link that describes SSDI Benefits for those that need It.

http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org/ca/programs/income_support/ss_disability/ssdi/

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I'm in MA and on SSDI - kept getting kicked off of it and having to refile over and over, and that was no picnic. The thing that bugs me is I've a chronic Illness and that seemed to make it harder, though my docs are competent enough. The worst part was when I'd get kicked off it and have to go to the ss office to talk to them, and my father would be out of his mind about "how is she going to live? she has no income!" and they'd just shrug. The issue seems to be worked out, but I'm a little pessimistic about it by now, y'know?

I'm in MA and on SSDI - kept getting kicked off of it and having to refile over and over, and that was no picnic. The thing that bugs me is I've a chronic Illness and that seemed to make it harder, though my docs are competent enough. The worst part was when I'd get kicked off it and have to go to the SS office to talk to them, and my father would be out of his mind about "how is she going to live? she has no income!" and they'd just shrug. The issue seems to be worked out, but I'm a little pessimistic about it by now, y'know?

Yeah, So far I've not had that happen to Me in the 6 Years that I've been on the receiving end of SSI, But It isn't impossible of course. California I think hires the worst Doctors as they almost always say to SS that the Person is not disabled and any Doctor who Helps the Disabled is called a Disability Doctor and It's not a kind remark, It's like Disability is something to be ashamed of when one has done nothing to be ashamed of in the 1st place.

I've collected a few links of course, There's a lot of voices out there.

Social Security: What it does, What it should do
SOCIAL SECURITY ADVISORY BOARD: STATEMENT ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM
Not likely to be changed I was told cause of the Federal Deficit.
Barack Obama's Disability Rights Plan (full text)
Justice For All Blog(AAPD - the American Association of People with Disabilities)
Social Security Disability Coalition: FULLERTON – EDWARDS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY REFORM ACT
President-elect Barack Obama on Disability Rights(NCDR - National Coalition for Disability Rights)

Edit: Almost forgot one last link:
whitehouse.gov on DISABILITIES
Barack Obama wrote:

DISABILITIES

"We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities."

-- Barack Obama, April 11, 2008

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I like Obama's ideas on disabilities... as I wrote over on LiveJournal, though, he'll have some problems with employers who are afraid of lawsuits. We've all run into that one! Hell, I even had it happen once in college:(

I like Obama's ideas on disabilities... as I wrote over on LiveJournal, though, he'll have some problems with employers who are afraid of lawsuits. We've all run into that one! Hell, I even had it happen once in college:(

Yeah, that's a real Hyper post there, Plus I read the other two, Some of the other promises President Obama made are at the link with the Full Text, Some seem to be missing after the Election, I hope It's just cause of Him being Busy and all, I'd make a Soapbox on($8.95 for 30 Days) on:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/soapbox/.

But right now I'm baroque almost ;) as I have just enough for an Envelope and Postage really on Monday as the Local Post Office here in Yermo is closed and the Lobby doesn't sell Envelopes or Stamps(the Lobby only sold Stamps until Vandals hit the lobby) Besides I don't feel like driving to Barstow CA as It's a 25 miles round trip and that's a bit much for just the PO(less than a gallon of gas, as the car gets about 35mpg(a '99 Ford Escort zx2 that isn't to good in crosswinds and is a bit cramped for Me) and is not the best size for Me, I sold that car and yep I regret that now, Maybe one day I'll get another Mustang(a used '05-'09, Orange, Yellow or White)), the lobby's just a pickup point for Mail now. :D

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I just sent in this in @ http://congress.org on a request to be given a $300 Stimulus Payment just like everybody else gets and that I think includes SSDI recipients too.

Thank you for using Congress.org Mail System.

Message sent to the following recipients:
Representative McKeon
Senator Boxer
Senator Feinstein
Message text follows:

(edited for content: address/contact info)


January 24, 2009

[recipient address was inserted here]


[recipient name was inserted here],

I too would like to file and get a $300 Stimulus payment as I'm
Permanently Disabled and living on SSI/SSP payments here in
California(Where I was born), Could I use the $300? Sure I could! I have
to give up some things just to save up any money as $907 a month doesn't
go very far and I have to spend extra money living where I do on the phone
just to call My relatives as It's a toll call, Hopefully soon I can get
approved for a USDA RH Mortgage before the house I'm interested in goes
and gets sold as It's already dropped in price by $10,000 and the problem
I'm having is the USDA saying I might not be able to afford an extra $18
or so in a mortgage payment(P&I, Taxes and Insur or about $281 a month
which is a bit higher than 29% of My monthly income or $263.03 this year),
So yeah I could use It, But to file for It I'd need a form like a 1099
from the Social Security Administration and they(SSA) won't send People on
SSI one and yet If one gets SSDI they(Recipients) get one and
they(Recipients) don't pay taxes either last I looked, So why the
Discrimination??

Sincerely,


Victor Bobier
760-000-000*(edited for content)


Employer Name: SSI Recipient
Employer City: Yermo
Position: Permanently Disabled Person
Are you a registered voter?: Yes
Did you vote in the last election?: Yes
Age: 48
Gender: Male
Organization: n/a yet
Interest Group: Seti@Home
Would you like a reply?: Yes
Have you visited our website?: Yes

Victor Bobier sent this message via Congress.org, which uses the Capwiz·XC
system. Congress.org is a free public service of Capitol Advantage and
Knowlegis, LLC. You may access Congress.org here: http://congress.org

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Here's a New website I found the Daily KOS: Benefits info: SSDI Work Rules

the Daily KOS wrote:

by HGM MA
Sat Dec 20, 2008 at 07:24:40 AM PST

I have read so many inspiring diaries here about folks making the best of very difficult situations and they have my utmost respect and support. I am amazed how many kossacks say they are living on SSDI, including a very inspirational diary on the rec list now by kktlaw. I understand that everyone with a disability or medical condition severe enough to be receiving SSDI or SSI are in different situations. I just wanted to add something that I know a lot about, that is how earnings can impact benefits and other general information regarding public benefits. This particular diary is about how earnings impact SSDI (not self-employment income). In the next few months, I'll be posting information on different public benefits such as SSDI, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, Housing, Food Stamps and some problems people run into and how to avoid them (i.e. overpayments, Ticket to Work, etc.)

So hopefully this information in this diary finds someone who thinks it’s useful, consider it a Kossack community public service.

Peace!

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Also there are two other Websites about what the Congress is up to and here they are:

http://congressnow.gallerywatch.com/Default.aspx
Congress now wrote:

Telecommunications
Rep. Henry Waxman
Waxman Reschedules Markup of DTV Bill for Tuesday
Jan 23, 2009 8:35 PM
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) tonight announced that he is rescheduling a markup of a bill that would delay the transition from analog to digital television. The markup will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.
Full Story

http://www.rollcall.com/
Rollcall wrote:

Obama Begins Presidency With High Marks Across the Board

Jan. 24, 1:44 P.M.

Barack Obama begins his presidency with stratospheric marks among Democrats and the support of a fair amount of Republicans who voted against him.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Ok I saw this on CNN:


http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

Just how many promises has the President kept for the Disabled?

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I at least think he's on a good track with some of them, like the healthcare bit and the stuff about unemployment... sure they aren't specific to folks with disabilities, but they do start work with the most immediate issues like the economy. I mean, nobody'll have money if the economy goes any farther downward, which stands to reason the disabled will then have it worse. I'm hoping he'll work on the disabled-helping stuff as soon as he gets the money issue clear (or near clear, anyway).

I at least think he's on a good track with some of them, like the healthcare bit and the stuff about unemployment... sure they aren't specific to folks with disabilities, but they do start work with the most immediate issues like the economy. I mean, nobody'll have money if the economy goes any farther downward, which stands to reason the disabled will then have it worse. I'm hoping He'll work on the disabled-helping stuff as soon as he gets the money issue clear (or near clear, anyway).

Yeah, things aren't good but today I heard on CNN that there are some small signs things are slowly getting better here in the US. As to the disabled having It worse, I really hope not, I know in California the Govenator wants to cut the states SSP payment by $77 a month(My SSI check would go from $907 to $830 which means California would be paying the Minimum $155 that is allowed by the US Government) and have It start on March 1st 2009, So far I haven't heard anything new on this either. That cut would set Me back just over 2 Years, So far the state Republicans want to do the deed and not the Democrats.

The Bad: 2009 California State Budget Crisis Worsens
This dated Jan 7th 2009

This next link is from the California Disability Community Action Network:
Governor's Veto Leaves Uncertainty in Growing Budget Crisis

We won't know for sure until Summer arrives what will be cut from Californias Budget.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

That is one thing, I have never understood, since I came to this country. Why are the ones, that need it the most always the first to see the cuts? Raise the top tax rate in California to ten percent, for those who can afford it.

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Pluto will always be a planet to me.

Seti Ambassador
Not to late to order an Anni Shirt

That is one thing, I have never understood, since I came to this country. Why are the ones, that need it the most always the first to see the cuts? Raise the top tax rate in California to ten percent, for those who can afford it.

One side would probably like to and the other side won't and neither side has a majority.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Bump, Bumpity, Bump. ;)

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Bump again.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

While there are valid concerns over the funding of SSDI for those who rightfully deserve it, I feel there needs to be more investigation and reporting of those who are scamming the system.

I have a former friend in Florida who is in a wheelchair-has Spina Bifida, hardly a bed-confining disability. He had a number of poor job experiences due to a need to demand accomodations that simply weren't within the "reasonable accomodations" domain or proved.

One example of many would be for a company we mutually worked for at one point. Seniority determined shift opportunities. As a new employee, he demanded daytime shift hours only because he supposedly had night blindness. This was never proven and he could never seem to get proof of this issue. He and I drove often at night and he never mentioned any issues in 15 years of hanging out (was Best Man at his first wedding, etc). His first wife also never mentioned any problems when they'd go out at night and he'd insist on driving.

Now in Florida he found a doctor to determine he is too disabled to work and he receives SSDI. Yet he drives, has been seen hanging out at coffee shops/restaurants often (we have mutual friends in the area) and even brags that he went on a cruise after his recent wedding. If you ask him why he's not working, he will even admit he "chooses not to" (his direct words) and he is living a "Purpose driven life by volunteering" while drawing off our taxes.

I think without a doubt he is a prime example of fraud.

Just because you're in a wheelchair it doesn't mean you can't work. If you can get valid medical documentation--great. When you start doing what he's doing though, then it is nearly impossible to get the disability revoked.

This--imho is a real injustice.

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While there are valid concerns over the funding of SSDI for those who rightfully deserve it, I feel there needs to be more investigation and reporting of those who are scamming the system.

I have a former friend in Florida who is in a wheelchair-has Spina Bifida, hardly a bed-confining disability. He had a number of poor job experiences due to a need to demand accomodations that simply weren't within the "reasonable accomodations" domain or proved.

One example of many would be for a company we mutually worked for at one point. Seniority determined shift opportunities. As a new employee, he demanded daytime shift hours only because he supposedly had night blindness. This was never proven and he could never seem to get proof of this issue. He and I drove often at night and he never mentioned any issues in 15 years of hanging out (was Best Man at his first wedding, etc). His first wife also never mentioned any problems when they'd go out at night and he'd insist on driving.

Now in Florida he found a doctor to determine he is too disabled to work and he receives SSDI. Yet he drives, has been seen hanging out at coffee shops/restaurants often (we have mutual friends in the area) and even brags that he went on a cruise after his recent wedding. If you ask him why he's not working, he will even admit he "chooses not to" (his direct words) and he is living a "Purpose driven life by volunteering" while drawing off our taxes.

I think without a doubt he is a prime example of fraud.

Just because you're in a wheelchair it doesn't mean you can't work. If you can get valid medical documentation--great. When you start doing what he's doing though, then it is nearly impossible to get the disability revoked.

This--imho is a real injustice.

Fraud is always a concern, I'd once across a post somewhere on the Net of some guy saying People getting SSI were getting too much money and someone else saying what a jerk the guy was, Never found that thread again of course.

Disabilities one can't see are(can be) there, That We just can't see them, Just like one can't see the air one breathes, So just cause one can't see It, Doesn't mean It isn't there, Just that It can't be seen by the Human eye.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's