I am 20 years old and on SSI. I applyed for over 30 jobs and couldnt do any of them because of my poor vision and the drs tell me its just going to get worse. I feel like crap have to live on SSI. and it took me about a year to get it. I felt so bad watching everyoen around me go off ot work and me haveing to set at home doing nothing. but i am doing something about it now i am going to go to the mcdowl center for the blind and start learning how to do stuff now b4 i go blind or if i ever do. When i complet the training there they will find me a job that i can do. I have to wait until my daughter is about two years old or so but i am going. I went once for two weeks just for the evaluation and loved it i started learning brail and everything it was great. But dont feel bad SSI and SSDI is there for people who cant work or who needs help. I hate to say it but with out SSI I dont know how i would be makeing it.

Go for it, Wiz! If you are approved, it doesn't mean that you have to take it. Just start the process and see where you are at when you are approved.

Make sure your drs. (all drs.) are on board with your decision. That is so important when they review your medical records and when your drs have to fill out their portion of the paperwork. Additionally, if there is any testing that would support your inability to work, have it done. (Neuropsych testing, nerve conduction tests, fatiguability, etc.) These tests will help as well. I found the questions to be geared towards those with injuries and/or mental illness. So having these tests will help both you and the dr with this process.

They also require someone who knows you and sees you on a regular basis to fill out a form. Your DH would be a great person to do that part. Have him keep notes so that when the form comes it will be easier for him to fill out. (I had my mom do it as DDs were too young).

Keep notes yourself to help you fill out the paperwork. Include every detail. This is really important. Sometimes we only look at the bigger symptoms but when you start going in to detail it helps. I got denied the 1st time, got a lawyer, and appealed. They gave me this advice. So I did right, down to the fact that bras irritate the hug, when sensory symptoms hit I want to just tear my clothes off, I can't wear closed toe shoes as it causes spasms, etc. When I wrote it out, thanks to cog fog, which may have worked in my favor, words were left out and some I didn't even spell right and a few of the questions I didn't even answer correctly. I just left it that way and submitted it. I was approved in a month. LOL

My decision was far easier to make. 9 months after my 1st major flare and and 3 significant flares, I still was not able to walk well - falling all the time, wall walking, couldn't read (even children's books were too difficult for me), etc. I knew then that this was not going away and trying to support my DDs on $700 a month was really a challenge and stressful.

While on SSDI, you can work but can make no more that a certain amount ($700 ??? a month).

Wishing you the best of luck.

I'm so sorry for your fatigue, Wiz.

What sort of home business do you have?


Now that you're approaching a new chapter in your life, have you considered volunteering for something? Volunteers can get away with stuff that paid employees can't. And you could still be involved in something that brings you joy and a sense of usefulness.

Good luck to you, friend.

You don't have to give up income, when you are on Disability, ya know. You can make a certain maximum per mo. and still get Disab. If you have a business at home, then just make sure you don't go over that amount.

Thanks Twinks, and everybody,

It's a computer service business for networking, repairs/upgrades, PC sales, custom PCs, virus removal, etc... It's frustrating that it's just dead in the water. But, worse things could happen. I could have signed a lease out at the commercial district, then I'd really be out some money.

I used to volunteer when I was a SAHM. I'd love to volunteer again if I could find something that wouldn't wear me out.

Ahh Wiz...

I don't have any advice, just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you as you decide where to go from here. It cannot be easy, and I feel for you.