topic Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent! in Among Friends

I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Kelseys Mimi — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:26:01 GMT

My son in law has been very sick for over ten years, it started with his heart. He has had several operations, lives with s pacemaker, defibulator in his chest. He is only 45. Well 3 years ago he got really bad leukemia a type that is usually fatal, after 3 rounds of intense chemo, being so sick losing all his hair the hospital said there was nothing more they could do. However the Mayo Clinic was doing an experimental stem cell donner trail. Well they took him right away, his brother was a perfect match and he did okay, but he now has no immunity to any germs, has to wear a mask everywhere he goes and he has big problems with graft host rejection and takes over $1,000.00 a month in drugs and that is out of pocket after insurance pays, every cold is a hospital stay.. He cannot get new immunization shots until they can get him off some of these drugs... He went on disability a little over a year ago when the doctors told him he could not work. (Never asked for anything before this and hated to do this but had no choice). Well they sent him a letter saying he could only receive benefits for six more months! Now if he was a drug addict or a drunk there would be no problem! He can appeal but must do it in person with representatives of his doctors with him! Like that will happen and frankly he is too sick!

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

ValuSkr — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:36:18 GMT

I don't blame you for being angry. The system is organized to benefit the wealthy and the medical establishment itself. Nothing will change until we demand it.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Kelseys Mimi — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:39:40 GMT

You got that right, if I was wealthy I would buy some tv air time!

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Kachina624 — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:40:29 GMT

Does he have an attorney? Seems as though the people who are most successful with Social Security Disability have legal representation.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

sparklestar — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:47:56 GMT

@Kelseys Mimi I'm so so sorry. I know it does not help but I truly feel so sorrowful for your son's situation. That's a horrible way to live and then on top of it all gets no support. I won't even tell you some of the things I've read about people that come here illegally just to have their babies who get all the help and privileges and assistance they need and we as legal citizens get shunned. It makes me sick.

Back to you, I would seek legal help. They know what your sons's rights are. It seems most people just give up without at least trying the legal route. They may not even know they have rights. It does not hurt to seek their help.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Kelseys Mimi — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:48:23 GMT

kachina624, no he was able to get disability without it, the attorney takes 25 to 33% of your benefit! How crooked is that, I don't have much faith in lawyers, most are sharks, you can should not have to have one! They should just send him paperwork for the doctors to verify he is still disabled, why all the hoops to jump through?

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Kelseys Mimi — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 23:50:48 GMT

kachina624, no he was able to get disability without it, the attorney takes 25 to 33% of your benefit! How crooked is that, I don't have much faith in lawyers, most are sharks, you should not have to have one! They should just send him paperwork for the doctors to verify he is still disabled, why all the hoops to jump through?

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

JaneMarple — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 00:01:56 GMT

Sounds like your son in law is on short term disability which has time limits, I once was on this for six months. Has he applied for permanent disability? If he has and if he had a lawyer file his case then whatever your sil received , the lawyer got a ONE TIME fee from his settlement for his/her services. BTW his SSD is final with review of his case every several years.

All the best to him.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

pdlinda — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 00:12:14 GMT

Your State should have pro bono (free of charge) disability lawyers who have many strategies to deal with your situation. Look in White Pages or Google for names.

Also, you insurance company should have a patient advocate who, again, deals with issues like this regularly and offers services free of charge. These people are professionals who deal with the SSD office regularly.

Do NOT allow the SSD system to defeat you as after everything your son-in-law has gone through it is absolutely inexcusable and unacceptable for his situation not to receive special attention. There are ALWAYS EXCEPTIONS to any of their rules and regulations. I have years of experience with indigent criminal defendants who suffered from a myriad of serious health situations. A resulution was always found using professionals.

Once a patient advocate was identified, the Agency stepped up and did the right thing. However, it takes a lot of prodding and perseverance that you can't be expected to provide ias you are emotionally drained from dealing with your son's condition on a daily basis and this is not your chosen profession.

GOOD LUCK!!

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

itiswhatitis — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 01:21:18 GMT

@ValuSkr wrote:
I don't blame you for being angry. The system is organized to benefit the wealthy and the medical establishment itself. Nothing will change until we demand it.

I so agree with you. In this case, however I believe the "system" is his employer and insurer. Not sure what State we're talking about here, but he should have been on SSDI a LONG time ago.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

itiswhatitis — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 01:23:18 GMT

I hope you're reading this.

Please know that with the Social Security Administration only the maximum of 6,000 can be taken from any backpay. There are limits set by law for those getting Legal Help with the SOCIAL SECURIY ADMINISTRATION(only). Can't speak about employer sponsored stuff or the individual state.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

MaggieMack — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 01:44:24 GMT

@Kelseys Mimi, the hospital where your son is being treated should have a staff of social workers who can assist you. My DH was diagnosed with acute leukemia at 46, the social workers walked me through applying for Social Secirity disability, which was granted because acute leukemia is one of the diseases they routinely grant disability for. After two years on disability, Medicare automatically kicks in, there is no choice.

Please follow up with the hospital where your son is receiving treatment, they will help him without demanding a percentage of his disability income. Sending blessings.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Mominohio — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 02:00:39 GMT

@Kelseys Mimi

I want to first tell you how I appreciate all the stress, sadness and fear I know you live with each day. Having a sick family member is so hard, and when it is your child (and in laws are ours too), regardless of their age, it just kills you inside.

Also, I feel your frustration and agree with your anger at the system. Millions of do nothing no good people suck the life right out of what funds we do have, and many truly sick and desperate people are denied, passed over, picked on, and made to jump through hoops, when it is clear they are in desperate need of help.

Is there anyone who is a less closely related to your family that could help you all navigate the system and help in finding answers, filling out papers, contacting doctors, lawyers etc. Someone who would be willing to help you and him find the answers and benefits he needs and deserves? Maybe there are groups out there that help, without charging fees?

I wish I had more to offer you in insight, and you will find some advice here, I'm sure, but I did want to tell you that your feelings are warranted in my opinion, and that I am so sorry you have to deal with this. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers, that you find the help, answers, and healing you all need.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Snowpuppy — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 02:47:01 GMT

While your son is facing this long road to recovery, can you take him into your home if he doesn't already live with you?

That might ease some of the financial burden he's facing until he knows the outcome.

I'm surprised he can go outside at all to be exposed to any potential virus or other pathogen!

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Nancy Drew — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 02:52:17 GMT

When dealing with cancer and financial issues all at once is beyond overwhelming. You will get through this. First thing is to write a list of what you have to do. That alone will let you sleep at night. As someone suggest go to the hospital patient advocates. That gets the ball started. Then have down time every single day with something enjoyable is a must. The brain has to relax. My husband used to watch Seinfeld as comedy let him smile. If you could make meals for them even once a week or babysit so they could go out for awhile. There is so much info on the internet with big and small ways to get through it.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

RedTop — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 04:24:03 GMT

It has been my experience that anyone who receives SSDI will eventually receive a letter like this, and go thru the hassle of proving their disability. It took my dad 5 years to prove his disability initially, despite the fact every physician who examined him could immediately see he was barely able to walk and breathe at the same time, and were irritated to see my dad put thru such a long, drawn out process for approval. After several reviews, dads primary care doctor wrote one very intense letter on his behalf, and my dad never had another benefit review. My dad remained on long term disability thru his employer for the entire 5 years. When his SSD was approved, he received 5 years of back pay, which was reimbursed to his employer, and then started receiving his monthly benefit, and Medicare coverage.

My daughter's boyfriend survived a major accident with multiple trauma several years ago. While he has amazed his doctors with recovering the use of both arms and legs, he is without any doubt whatsoever, disabled, and entitled to the benefits he receives. However, because he is only 36 years old, his case has been reviewed 2-3x already. He also collected long term disability thru his job, and the insurance company asked for updated documentation every year. He has all the medical documentation he needs to prove he is not employable, and his doctor is more than willing to submit whatever is requested, but this young man still has to jump thru the hoops for the SS Review Board about every 18 months.

Your SIL will also be required to jump thru these hoops as well; regardless of whether his current disability benefits are coming thru his former employer or if they are actually Social Security disability benefits. Between his physician, and hospital social workers, they will be able to help your SIL with submitting whatever is necessary for compliance. I understand this is a new experience for your family, and you will learn as you go, but the red tape is far from over.

Best set wishes to your SIL, and your entire family.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

homedecor1 — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 04:29:19 GMT

@Kelseys Mimi

There are 2 types of social security disability. SSI which is for "temporary disability" payments. When my son was in cancer treatments & surgeries (2.5 years) he was entitled to ssi.

That was short term I think 6 months lower payment and they re-examined him --

He has many complications from the surgeries and chemo.

it was deemed by his physician/oncologist he could not return to work (complications) he applied for SS Permanent Disability.

We we made appt at local SS office (called SS #) took all medical records, etc with us. They set him up with their doctors for exam and determination.

He was approved w/in 6 weeks as it was apparent he could not work a full- time job. We did it ourselves the clerk was very knowledgable about which program for him. He had been on state disability through his job also.

He collected under Ssi and now has been deemed permanently disabled due to "neuropathy in his legs, slight blindness in his left eye, and chronic fatigue from the side effects of chemo drugs. He is undergoing another surgery in July for blood clot from the original surgery.

They have deemed he cannot work a f/t job and is permanently disabled. Perhaps you can speak to his physicians and they will complete paperwork promptly now he is permanently disabled.

please don't give up -- advocate for him this stress puts a lot on the sick person.

My prayers go out to you and your family, I completely know your stress and sadness.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

151949 — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 14:12:42 GMT

First of all - lawyers do not take 25 to 33 % - they get a fee that is set by SS. and only if they win. He NEEDS legal representation , period! i agree it sounds like he was only given a short term disability the first time and he should have started the application process for full SSD during that period. Anyway , he has nothing to lose by getting an attorney to handle this for him, since he doesn't seem inclined to do it for himself.The lawyers will take care of contacting the doctors and getting the necessary statements etc.

Lawyers do deserve to be paid for their work, you know.

The system is not flawed and , no they do not give illegal aliens SS benefits-- honestly do you people have no common sense? To apply for any benefit from SS one has to show a picture ID - a birth certificate and their SS card. How does an illegal do that????? Your BIL or some representative from your family should have been applying for his permanent disability already. Since you all did not do that you are in this situation now, and instead of doing the intelligent thing - get a lawyer - instead you start ranting about it being too expensive and how only illegals get benefits. There is one of those wise old sayings that apply here : God helps those who helps themselves.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

KathyPet — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 14:22:53 GMT

While the OP's son certainly seems to be entitled to disability the fact remains that there are many cases of individuals receiving this government paid benefit who are not legitimately entitled to receive it or who did receive it but now no longer qualify for it. I do not see any reason why there should not be a requirement that regular justification for continued payment of these benefits be in place. People should not be allowed to continue to get these benefits unless they can prove that they are still needed.

Re: I am so mad at our system need to vent!

Yardlie — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 14:27:05 GMT

@Kelseys Mimi, My heart goes out to you. You are correct...our system is not fair. I would definitely talk to an attorney, but in the mean time...set up an account for him at "Go FundMe.com." People seem to have a lot of success receiving donations...particularly for illness. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Hugs.