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Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of, and finding treatments for, complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.
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Having said all that, I know I’m lucky. It must be ten times harder for sufferers who don’t have a working partner or other family to help them. I tip my hat to every one of you who manages to cope with this alone. You’re heroic.
Wow, that is so cool. As much as this life can suck, it's really gratifying to see people do amazing things like your friend is doing for you.Hi Aerose - how you doing?
For my treatment I fundraise - a friend of mine is currently raising funds for me by doing three frightening 'jumps' : the longest highest zip wire in the northern hemisphere, here in Wales. then 160 FT bungee jump in London, then a tandem skydive in wales again - he is really terrified of heights so its a big deal for him.
Do I remember correctly that you are now camping in the desert? If so, is this helping your symptoms at all?As much as I hate to admit it, I'm homeless.
As much as I hate to admit it, I'm homeless. I grew up in relative poverty and my parents can't afford for me to stay there. If I moved back in with them they would lose the house so I would never do that. I was staying with a couple friends who allowed me to stay there but after my sickness just continued getting worse they began to believe I was psychiatric and became really crappy people to live with so I took off.
I was rejected by social security because (before getting sick) I owned a company and my biz partner still pays me a small dividend of $800/month plus health insurance. It's awesomely generous but after medical bills, student loans, food, car insurance (i live in my car so I have to pay that), gas and cell phone bill (no computer) there's nothing left for rent. Apparently this is too much income to be allowed on social security so I can't get any disability.
Some friends of mine from the town I grew up in also threw me a benefit and raised a few thousand dollars for me for medical costs. It was insanely moving that they did that for me, but after all said and done it only got me 3 doctor visits and blood tests and I'm out
Do I remember correctly that you are now camping in the desert? If so, is this helping your symptoms at all?
If you are in the US, SSD isn't based on need, it's based on disability alone.f you paid into SS you are entitled to receive.
Your dividend from your partner should be categorized as just that and NOT pay for work. I would talk to legal aide ( free legal service available to low income ) or a SS attorney that will take you on for a percentage of back benefits ) And if your partner is giving it to you as "pay" he/she could probably list them in such a way that would show the truth that you are not currently working for that money.
Of course, I am assuming US.
And of course, you would qualify for medicare after a year and could use the insurance you are offered as secondary.
Independent Living Centers (google for one near you) can also be of service, to help you find housing.
Also churches, large groups that help other illnesses will sometimes offer free advice ( depending on where you live) like local Cancer society, etc..
Sorry you are homeless. This is terrible. I hope you can find the help you need .
...I went through the SS process and when I met with a rep there he quickly told me that I make too much and that was that...
As others have said, you need to see a lawyer specializing in Social Security Disability. They will take your case without any upfront fee...they take their fee, set by Social Security, if you win benefits, from any back benefits that are owed to you. Don't believe a single word that any employee of Social Security tells you, including their "judges".