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1.  Section 8 housing and earnings over the SGA
I live in Massachusetts and wondering if you can provide me with information about Section 8 vouchers. The local housing authority is threatening to terminate my lease with them bec i didn't report my p/t earnings for 5 months which I wasn't aware that I had to report this within 10 days.

Bec I suffer from migraines and have an Alzheimers parent that i care for along with the fact that I am hearing impaired, I wasn't able to find the time to report the p/t earnings til this past Jan 09. Plse provide any information about this situation.

thank you, Sharon

2. Earning over the SGA and losing benefits
When SSA charges a claimant an overpayment, the claimant has 2 options.  The first option is to file a reconsideration disputing the overpayment.  They would do this if they disagree that they even owe any money back to SSA or disagree with the amount they are charging.  For example, if they never received the funds allegedly overpaid .  

The second option is to file a waiver of overpayment.  This means they do not feel they should be responsible for repayment, primarily because of financial inability to repay.  SSA would ask the claimant to provide a financial statement.  A waiver is also appropriate if SSA was at fault in making the overpayment and the claimant reasonably had no knowledge they were being overpaid.  If they fail to report they are working, for example, SSA would find the claimant at fault and deny the waiver. 

> Best not to earn over the SGA

> Getting legal help

 To avoid this stay under the SGA. She has not seen a case where 
workers are under SGA

> The corporation strategy is a solid protection solution to max write off's.
If you should have had benefits discontinued and SSA is still sending you check don’t cash or deposit in an isolated bank account

Over payment commonly happens to those that are
A.  In the ticket to work program and there is a miscommunication of information.
B.  Those that go back to work and tell SSA that they are going back to work and SSA still pays.. and SSA recipient cashes checks.

3. Grants,
A. I am already receiving my ssi/dis and do beleive i am getting the upmost benefit i can receive, although i am struggling to pay some back bills and my home needs some repair like adequate heating ,floor repair, upgraded plumbing and electrical work. Would like to know how i can go about applying for a disabled grant. try to search on line but all of them require a credit card to receive the info and i do not have one. any info will be appreciated.

Expectations short term pending event that will keep you from
going in to a tail spin modest needs
 
Contact your Local CIL Catholic Charities

Modest needs Grant for all under $1000
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Grants-ModestNeeds.htm

For grants over $1000
http://thedisabilitydigest.com/Grants.htm

4. Max Benefits
How can I find out if I'm getting the maximum $$$ benefits from SSDI.
my son. He is 19 with spina bifida. He is currently receiving an amount monthly from SSI but I believe he is entitled to much more.

7. Jobs and income
A.  Just what is the amount you can make how many hours are allow.

B.  Why is that people with disability get turn down from job, which I have experience alot

Example Nanette; here, getting back to you. I have been trying to get on; with the school district; to serve lunches; as they have posted "Help Wanted Ads" on the school channel. But; for all of these years; since 1987; they will, not hire me, to do the same thing; that I did; when I VOLUNTEERED: without pay, just FREE LUNCHES. I have been, filling out; JOB APPLICATIONS: for the job; since, I left HIGH SCHOOL; back, in 1987!!!! I have, also applied; for JOBS: at other places; as well; and have been turned down, just the same.

I do have, some BIRTH DEFECTS: as well as some DISABILITIES: but, none; that would prevent me; from getting these jobs; that I apply; for.
 I do have HYDROCEPHALUS and SCOLIOSIS; and a LEG DISCREPANCY; but, nothing, that would make it; hard, to do; the jobs; I have already; done.
I am 41 years old. I have been involved; in trying to get help; from Vocational Rehabilitation places (Boulder and Longmont Offices) as well as the Center For People With Disability Offices (Boulder and Longmont Offices) as well as the Workforce of Boulder County Offices (Longmont and Boulder Offices). And; all of them; have turned me down; for help as well.

b. Thanks for inviting me to the conference on April 1. Sorry, I won't be there.

The biggest problem I have is with Vocational Rehabilitation resources. I read in the Newspaper awhile back there was this employment service for people with my problems. I asked about this employment service.  They told me I have to be approved for this service,but they never seem to get me on the list or help me find way to get this service. Maybe,I am wrong,but I feel this employment service can help me. How do I get around this without them dropping me?

Answer:
Understand what motivates voc rehab, listen to Joel,  outline your strength,

D. William Did you know It's not who you know but it what you know about your self and be lived in the abilities that you have and the experience that got you there and now it seem to be useless to you or anyone around you.  But,Your not ready to give it all up jest because your not able to do and use those experience and abilities to help other in some way .

I sit here in my Jazzy power chair wanting to get out and make thing happen In a way of helping others  You see I have Cooked for some 30 years and I know all about a kitchen and what make it work . and that's the quality of service & the food end of it . I don't want to run a Big kitchen anymore but something small like a Coffee House with Internet accessibility or a Bed & breakfast . because there is no business like that in this town that I'm living in at this time and I would be the first to have it .So" is there some way you could help me get this?

E. What type of job is right for a person with a disability, i want to know it's a hurt thing everytime you get turn not because you can't do the job it cause of a physcial problem. 

Click her for answers to D and E

8. Speed up the Hearing process
I'm waiting a hearing date after being turned down twice now for benefits.  Just received a confirmation last month from SS stating they received the request for hearing from my attorney.  I want to know how the heck you get these people to put a move on it and give you a date--like sometime in the very near future; not months away?
I need to start receiving some $$$$--haven't been able to work since May 2007.
Thanks--I'll look forward to the up-coming conference.

A. Dire need
If you have been denied benefits and don't think you can survive the wait you may be eligible for a Dire need request for a hearing that would Speed Up The Approval Process!

http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToWin13-direneed.htm B. White your local and state government officials

9. File For Disability or go to school.
I need to go back to school. In 1996 I was diagnosed with 3 herniated discs, and degenerative arthritis in my spine from C3 down to the center of my back. I am done as far as any physical work goes. I haven't had any insurance (long enough) to have received medical treatment since then. I am at an end, been working since then, and now I'm afraid I have to re-train, file for disability, or something. I need help. Just lost my job 03/09/2009, and need advice as to what I can do! I would like to train for database administrator.

As for my medical situation the doctor told me in 1995 that I should wait for surgery. I have waited and I think my time has come. I can not use my left arm for much, and I suffer numbness in my shoulder, pain, and now my toes get numb. But this is on the backburner for now as I have to find a way to survive. Who do I see? What do I do?

10. Discriminated against at work what do I do
From: Marsha

I've had a real up hill battle with my former employer, but can't afford an attorney.  I was purposely and maliciously pulled from a good sedentary position without notice and placed on a job that required walking all day.  They also did not have an evacuation plan for me and the employer would not honor my doctor's statements or my VOC rehab. document for people with severe disabilities.  Obviously with MS my disability is walking and of course the disabled employees are expendable.  They don't want to give you severance pay--just terminate you and give you a bad performance record --- in case you ever have the ability to physically work--their bad records throws that choice out completely.   

 I was the only one in the whole agency that could barely walk even using a cane.
They have hired able bodied employees who applied for positions that could not perform the functions of the job, but did not put them on a performance plan and did not terminate them.  They were just transferred to another unit because they could not do the work!  I was persistent about putting someone else in the walking position because I could not do the walking and the other duties were not in my background.  They persistently refused!  Additionally I was harassed almost immediately and wanted to move because of the hostile work environment!  They have lied and changed accounts of each others testimony as well as their own--even saying I asked for the job etc!!  Winning my case could help others who have suffered blatant discrimination.

I have been going pro se and it is in appeal.  I want to get it over and really need some free legal assistance/attorney.  Where can I get help???  Legal aid does not do employment law-and the other agencies have not been that helpful.  I really need an attorney because they are trying to transfer the case and I was told that the previous law judge was paid--and I believe it because I have all the evidence in writing.  It is at the end and there is no justifiable reason to dismiss it or transfer.  We think they have someone else in the jurisdiction they want to precede over the case. 
I need to block the change of venue / dismiss so that the judge can rule since all of the testimony and evidence is in.  I'm not sure if the employer is even in the time frame required for the motion.   
Answer
To Learn How To Stop, Prevent Or Resolve Disability Discrimination At Work Here
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/ADA-WPD.htm

 There are other members of this site that are experienced in ADA and work place discrimination like this.  A specific discussion group has been created in the community called Work Place Discrimination.

To get help go to the link below and create a community account or log in, then go to the disability discrimination message board and review post a comment about your situation. I trust you will find others eager to lend a helping hand.

11. Help Merrie save her home
In 2006 I purchased a home with money my Mom had left me after she passed away, and I put 20% down to keep from paying PMI. Well, last July I started coming up short every month and could not pay my mortgage, but the bank would not talk to me because I was not yet delinquent. My husband would not and will not to this day, give me any more money ( even though he lives on twice as much a month as we do). He filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in December 2008 and at that point I had retained a Mortgage Mitigation company who took my case Pro Bono because of my hardship and disability. When he filed, it put the brakes on my mortgage modification process. So, I may lose my home very soon and may have to file for Chapter 13 myself. I will lose my equity in my home (about $18,000) at this time.  I am in such a bind

Answer:
A. Listen To This Interview With Peg Ball And Learn She May Be Able To Help You
Break Down Barriers And Conquer This Concern.
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Conference12.03.08v2.htm

-----qualifying for disability questions-----

12. Dr’s Say I’m disabled and SSA still denied me what
do I do?
I have 12 stents and a defibrilator with an ejection fracture of 25% Despite letters from my doctors stating that I should be on permanent disability, I waited 6 months to find out that I was denied. I am sending in the appeal letter. What do I do? Get a lawer?
Please help
Ernie

Answer
A. Get the facts
http://thedisabilitydigest.com/DisabilityAnswers1stats.htm

B. To learn if you have a case and how to maximize your chances of winning go to:
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToWin11-max.your.chances.htm

Bonus learn how this course has helped people just like you get approved! 
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/testemonials.ssdi.htm

13.  Do I have enough to win SSDI when I apply
I am currently working, but it is becoming more difficult, due to my medical history. having had several abdominal surgeriews, as well as vein stripping of both legs, and severe arthriti in left ankle, and right knee, as well as modrate to severe r h in other ankle and knee. these aforementioned maladies  are enough to keep men in constant pain. I have notes from doctors stating the extent of my issues, and also stating that it is the opinion of the medical doctor ( famely) a well as surgeon, that it is likley that in future i will not be able to work at all.

Is the aforementioned disabilities and the letters from the respected medical proffessionals, enough to get me ss disability bemnifits, when I apply?

I am hoping to be able to make it for conference, if not will an answer be available on line?

Thanks Greg

Answer
A.  What you need to prove to win SSDI
http://thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToWin1.htm

Comment from: Michael Delaney

15. if you are under 4ft 11in do your qualify
i heard about if you are under 4ft 11in. it is consider a midget disability is that true would they be approve. i am four feet ten inches but i cant stand to long because my feet would hurt and if i sit to long because my back would hurt real bad.

16. Applying for benefits due to Lyme Disease
I'm currently in the process of applying for benefits due to Lyme Disease (with a co-infection called Babesia).  Anything you can suggest regarding approval for these illnesses would be appreciated.  I am scheduled for a mental health exam as well as an appt. with an internist through disability.  I saw on the SSDI website that Lyme is an approved illness through disability.  Is it generally approved with no problem or is it something that people have difficulty being approved for?  Any information would be helpful.

 17. unemployment benefits and qualifying for disability.
unemployment – you are saying you can work but there are not jobs
SSDI – you are saying that you are not able to work any job in the USA

18. How to hire the best attorney/representative
Brian:

I am still struggling with the issue of which attorney or attorney(s) to hire with my disability problems. You recommended two..one for SSDI and another for my LTD & STD problems. Hiring the "best" attorney(s) is VERY important and I want to be sure that I make the correct decision. How do you come up with your list of attorneys to hier? The LTD (Cigna) is supposed to help me through the SSDI process. I have other concerns too. Like...what happens if I give up on the disability during the process. Like...I might just have to try to work again because I don't know how long I can go without any income.

Barb

19. I’m stuck can you help me.
I AM CURRENTLY ON SS DISABILITY. IN FEBUARY 2008 I LOST MY BUSINESS GROSSING 2 MILLION DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TRAVELLING TO AND FROM FLORIDA TO NEW YORK AND BACK. I ALSO CUT MY VISITS TO MY CUSTOMERS BY SOME 70%, WE WERE REPLACED AFTER DOING BUSINESS WITH MY BIGGEST CUSTOMER, WHICH I HAD FOR 21 YEARS. I AM NOW 60 YEARS OLD, I WAS'NT ABLE TO COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT SINCE IT WAS MY BUSINESS. TRYING TO  SAVE THE BUSINESS IN 2008 I HAD ANEGITIVE 200,000 DOL.

I HAVE FINANCED MYSELF FOR THE PAST 13 MONTHS. I HAD OVER THE PRIOR 10 YEARS. 4 BACK SURGERIES PLUS 1 EARLIER. I HAD 2 KNEE SURGERIES, THIS PAST SUMMER I ALMOST CUT MY FINGER OFF AND NEEDED MICRO SURGERY ON MY FINGER LEAVING ME WITH ONLY 65-70% MOBILITY.AND LITTLE FEELING. I AM AT THE END I NOW AM OUT OF MONEY EXCEPT MY 60,000 IRA AND MY WIFES OF 135,000. WE NOW WILL HAVE TROUBLE PAYING OUR MORTGAGE, AND ALL OTHER BILLS. MY MEDICAL BENEFITS ARE COSTING ME ABOUT 2,000.00 PER MONTH WERE EVEN RUMMING OUT OF MONEY FOR FOOD. WE CANT SELL OUR HOUSE WITHOUT TAKING A LOSS ON MY 330,000 MORT. WHICH I PAID 700,000 FOR THE HOUSE. I PUT UP 50%. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP ME ASAP.

STEVEN

Answer:
A. Click here to learn if you have a case and how to maximize your chances of winning go to:

20.  Worked but did not pay in to SSA
I did try to once apply for disab. soc. sec. and due to I am a county employee , which I get a very small check presently from the OPERS through my county job. When I applied for disab. with soc. sec, said I could only file and get Medicare, could not get disab. sense they didn't pay into the it, and From past work, which i did have paid time in, I was told should have filed last year, and I could have used the time. So, SSI , told NO, due to husband is on social sec. retired. And he makes to much for me to file SSI. Said, if he died , widow benf. file, or divorce file, otherwise wait until age 62 file, and % lose for early.  I am 54yrs old and I have MS.  I also have crohn's, blood pressure problems, etc, etc. and I can barely make it through a day at home, let along work at full day. Had I known my MS problem, and had I known working with county benf. would have done this, I would have cont. working in another job paying into soc sec.

The county job did pay into Med. care out of my check. But didn't file and pay into soc. sec.  Same benf. as a police, etc. has and once I put 9years into this county job,, I lost dearly for it.  Is there anything I can do?  I don't know if reapplying would be the way, nor do I know how my case was handled, I only got the letter denying benf. but no letter for the medicare part.. why?? I don't know.. Any answers would greatly be appreicated.. thank you sharon

21. filled out the forms online got denied
Thanks for continuing to send me important information on disability solutions.

I filled out the forms online back in November 2008. I received a denial on March 20th, 2009. Now I am preparing for a Reconsideration.

What are your tips on the best way for me to answer the questions I will be asked when I go online to fill out their forms.

I thought I had made my case perfectly clear, in layman terms, with medical records, but not the case. If it were not so easy to ask for a reconsideration online, I would probably give up from frustration. I don't know if I am up for going to court if it goes that far... I pray for a Reconsideration in my favor!

 have been diagnosed with both fibromyalgia and Dercum's Disease. Both together is a double whammy pain trip. I am 54 years old and have worked most of my adult life so I qualify with 'hours worked'. 

I appreciate any info you can shoot my way! Thanks again for your time and effort on the matter of disability.

Sincerely, Candus

21. How to Survive the wait.
I am at my wits end.  I have filed for disability because I have a bad case of fibromyalgia, with chronic fatigue, depression and pain.  I am also being test for neurological problems, possible MS.  I haven't worked since July '08 and my first claim for ssi was denied.  I found an attorney, using your site and we are appealing but it takes SO long.  In the mean time, my husband will be out of work on April 15th.

 I'm not sure how we are going to pay our bills while he looks for a new job.  I would like to start my own business doing electronic insurance filing for health professionals but I can hardly think straight right now to go through the process.  I've always had a problem with insomnia but lateky it's gotten much worse.  What can I do?

21. Part D and Attitudes towards disabled
Is there ever a time that someone on disability doesn't have a most pressing concern, especially in these timees. 

I guess right now I have two pressing concerns.  The first one is how do you pay for your medicine when part D runs out?  Two,  what do you do about the attitudes that others have including family, about you being disabled and I don’t just mean with individual circles but I mean the temperature of the social climate toward us? Susan 

Answer.
A.  For coverage when part D runs out go to
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HealthInsuranceAnswers.htm

B.  Attitude control.
Michelle Toole
http://thedisabilitydigest.com/HHL-MichelleToole.htm

Josh Blue
http://thedisabilitydigest.com/JoshBlue.htm

Andy Leaf
http://disabilitybiz.org/about_founder.htm

Peg Ball
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Conference12.03.08v2.htm

22.  Members area last question
Richard  (WA State) I'm age 61 and These are of great concern to me and my wife.
Finances and paying off substantial sized credit card balances and then for her health coverage , possible unemployment insurance for her.  Want to either buy a house or get secure housing as we get older.  

-  How to make sure you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to,

-  How to find reliable J.O.B and income - where they won't find an excuse to get rid of me when I have a disability related seizure as some companies have. 

-  How people with disabilities find a job or start a business, (7 years - no consistent job greater than 2 1/2 months and then only 1 until I had a

seizure.)

-  Some real secrets about where to find affordable housing,

-  Find out if you qualify for a disabled grant,

In the members area you'll learn absolutely everything

(You) must know about disability all in one place including:

1. Getting Approved For Disability

2. Maximize Your Benefits & How Much You Can Make

3. Jobs And Income 

4. Housing - How To Find Affordable Housing

5. Disabled Grants

6. Treatment Options

7. Connect With And Learn From Others

8. Financial Assistance, Legal Aid, Advocacy And Support Groups

9. All About Veterans Benefits

 >>> and Much more

 The member area is here
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Members.htm

23. Frustrations
Carlos There is absolutely NO HELP in the current legal system to protect us (I am referring to Disabled People) There was, how do I say, only laugh's and jeer's at my plight when I tried to get the state too help me. (Yes, it really did occur) I also got a phone call at one point where the girl who was supposedly my representative for extra state help, laughed at me and then said, " We will help you but only if you don't try to pursue any more lawsuit's" and then even she laughed at me! Alls I wanted was a case to go in front of ANYONE that wasn't prejudice and of course I filed a statement  2, yes two year's ago with the Higher Power's that be (a U.S. Federal Court) and to this date,

 These are some of the situation's that have been plagueing me since the beginning. Or October 2003. We simply don't have a voice. We have absolutely NO ONE that truly represent's us, you get this feeling of being all alone and truly not a part of the other half of America.

B. I am going to give you my biggest question...  I am using my ticket to work in order to finish my degree in psychology.  I want more than anything to continue to the master's level as I relize that without it, I would be a regular employee that will have to punch a timeclock and I don't know if 40 hours per week is even possible.  I have had offers to work with me on the practicum and all, but I can't seem to figure out how to pay for the Master's Level Classes.  Vocational Rehabilitation has been reimbursing me for the cost of tuition, but that is all I receive extra.  They also paid for some counseling when I went through some tough times.  It was about 3 months worth.  Anyway, if I am able to complete the master program I would be able to obtain an LPC and my focus would be on pain / treatment / etc...  I want to help those that need direction, much like what you are doing.  I don't want this to sound like the ol" I want your job because I don't.  I just want to help some of the people here that I have encountered that don't know where to turn.

Resources discussed on this call

1. Members area
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Members.htm

2. If you question was not answered here today then email to
support@thedisabilitydigest.com in the subject line "My pressing question"

{end of the conference}