I work for an SSDI representation firm (though I’m in new products and work on Medicare programs, not SSDI representation myself). I’m NOT going to hawk my company’s wares, but be aware that many attorney firms don’t take clients until after they’ve been denied and go to the hearing stage (level 3, I think), which could take years. Attorneys and non-attorney firms are limited by law in the amount they can collect from you. If you can, find someone who can represent you at initial application - the sooner you get awarded, the less the cost is likely to be.
It’s very good that you have medical documentation for your claim - whatever you do, don’t stop going to your doctor! One important thing (which you already probably know) is that disabilities tend to feed on one another - there are very few people (in my experience) who have SSDI and just have one disability. Most have a secondary condition, so medical care is important not just for your claim, but obviously to manage your conditions. If you do get SSDI, you’ll also qualify for Medicare 24 months after the date you start receiving cash benefits, so that could make getting your care easier. And give your current situation, you may be eligible for other programs like Medicaid or other assistance.
The SSA does have the “Ticket to Work” program and other work incentives where they try to help people with disabilities get back to work and/or hold a job. So you don’t necessarily have to be collecting SSDI forever.
I have no advice MyFootsZZZ, but I do want to tell you that I’ve been thinking about you, and hoping that you were doing well.
I’m another person who is happy that my taxes provide a safety net for folks like you. My dearest friend is on disability, he’s not rich, but he can buy food and sometimes go out when he has a working vehicle.
I agree with everyone who says that you shouldn’t just sit at home and make your world smaller and smaller. My friend isn’t comfortable with people, but he is able to foster cats in his home. He is also able to talk to strangers about his fosters. (I take the fostercats to the petstore and my friend will come to see how they are doing.)
You can’t save the world, but you might be able to be the world for one foster animal at a time.
