Quote:
Originally Posted by jana
Janke, I think your points are WELL made. Still, I wish that the system could be "tweaked". Much like the unjustly incarcerated individual who is given a monetary settlement -- it just does NOT make up for the time lost. IMHO, with the ridiculous amount of time that it takes for cases in some states to come before an ALJ, lives are already virtually ruined -- even a LARGE backpay award doesn't always help get a house, car, good credit, etc. back.
Sadly, it seems like the more educated as to the process the applicant is, the more likely they will prevail. It saddens me for those who do not have GOOD "help" and/or computer access.
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Those that are uneducated, don't speak English, etc. actually have an easier time getting approved if they have a borderline case... This is because they can't adapt to the job market as easily.
I wasn't a good advocate for myself during different stages of my application process... (I was less functional then in some ways then I am now.) I ultimately prevailed at the ALJ level without an attorney. Understanding what is required to prove a SSD case feels like learning a foreign language that very few people speak (including many successful SSD benefactors) and I know that I know just the basics, where as someone like Janke is a native speaker...
The REALITY is that once you are disabled, I would estimate most people will experience a decline in their standard of living. Many must seriously consider relocating if they live in an area that has a high cost of living.
One more thing about Janke--it blows my mind that anyone that spends any amount of time at this forum, doesn't realize what an amazing resource she is. IMO, she states the facts and is not overly biased towards SS. She just gives solid info. This is more valuable IMO, then some that are here to provide moral support, but are clueless about the intricacies of the rules and regs.