| DISABILITY |
Being on disability stinks. I hate what it has done to me in the past and present. I have
a bad illness that makes it hard for me to make a living, so I collect social security
disability to get by. Now mind you, the whopping $823 a month does not go far at all
when your insurance costs you $550, and co-pays for doctors and meds can run you in the
hundreds. Now I draw too much (what a joke) to be eligible for what is called by some a
"medical card." Because I worked hard to be someone at one time, my allotment is more
than the $550 limit set by the state of Kentucky. if I drew less than that, then I
would get all of those wonderful handouts the government has to offer, free drugs,
doctor visits, etc. Well, frankly I do not want it.
I have tried to work a regular full-time job many times in my life. However, with
Crohn's I need rest. Working months of 9-5 or whatever does not let me catch up on
the rest I need. I need the freedom to take a week off and do nothing when I can,
whenever I have an episode. My former employers (most of them) were very
understanding, but I would just go downhill, sometimes very fast.
In 2000 one of my doctors told me it was time to retire for good, so I did.
Professional bowling is one way I can get out of that trap. If I feel the physical need, I
can take a week or two off to recuperate and not fear getting fired. Other people with
disabilities have other talents they can perhaps draw on. For a few, permanent
disability is the only option.
Something should be done about our disability system. It encourages people to just lay
back and do nothing but wallow in self-pity. There is not enough incentive to better
yourself and get off the dole. I am not one to advocate government programs, but this
is one that is necessary. If the time is invested to assess people's abilities and
passions, more people can get off the dollar and get their self-respect back. A bit more
spent on training and the like would reduce what is paid out in actual checks. They do
have a "ticket to work" program right now, but it is not quite enough.
Finally, those who have no alternative and must stay on disability must be given enough
to survive, for what they allot to me does not meet my needs at all.
I hate being on disability, and this is my way out. I am a man of pride and feel I should
make my own way in the world. I hope the best for you.
Be well,
Sponge
a bad illness that makes it hard for me to make a living, so I collect social security
disability to get by. Now mind you, the whopping $823 a month does not go far at all
when your insurance costs you $550, and co-pays for doctors and meds can run you in the
hundreds. Now I draw too much (what a joke) to be eligible for what is called by some a
"medical card." Because I worked hard to be someone at one time, my allotment is more
than the $550 limit set by the state of Kentucky. if I drew less than that, then I
would get all of those wonderful handouts the government has to offer, free drugs,
doctor visits, etc. Well, frankly I do not want it.
I have tried to work a regular full-time job many times in my life. However, with
Crohn's I need rest. Working months of 9-5 or whatever does not let me catch up on
the rest I need. I need the freedom to take a week off and do nothing when I can,
whenever I have an episode. My former employers (most of them) were very
understanding, but I would just go downhill, sometimes very fast.
In 2000 one of my doctors told me it was time to retire for good, so I did.
Professional bowling is one way I can get out of that trap. If I feel the physical need, I
can take a week or two off to recuperate and not fear getting fired. Other people with
disabilities have other talents they can perhaps draw on. For a few, permanent
disability is the only option.
Something should be done about our disability system. It encourages people to just lay
back and do nothing but wallow in self-pity. There is not enough incentive to better
yourself and get off the dole. I am not one to advocate government programs, but this
is one that is necessary. If the time is invested to assess people's abilities and
passions, more people can get off the dollar and get their self-respect back. A bit more
spent on training and the like would reduce what is paid out in actual checks. They do
have a "ticket to work" program right now, but it is not quite enough.
Finally, those who have no alternative and must stay on disability must be given enough
to survive, for what they allot to me does not meet my needs at all.
I hate being on disability, and this is my way out. I am a man of pride and feel I should
make my own way in the world. I hope the best for you.
Be well,
Sponge
