by Marilyn M.
Member since:
February 14, 2007

CBS Investigates Social Security Disabilty Problems - Watch Please, January 14 & 15!

January 13, 2008 10:28 AM EST (Updated: January 14, 2008 10:18 PM EST)
views: 343 | comments: 51

CBS Investigates Social Security Disabilty Problems

by Marilyn Mackenzie

 

 

For five years, Linda Fullerton, president and co-founder of  the MSN group, Social Security Disability Coalition, has been trying to get coverage about the problems everyone deals with when applying for Social Security Disability.  Finally, a major news media was willing to investigate.  CBS will have a two night investigative report on Monday and Tuesday, January 14 and 15 on the evening news that runs 6:30-7 PM EST.

Linda Fullerton, whose brain surgery was 11 years ago, will be interviewed on the Monday segment.

 

 

**************

 

 

If you have applied for Social Security Disabilty and have not been approved, you really should be a member of this MSN group.  Social Security Disability Coalition offers free information and support with a focus on SSD reform.

Whether you have applied, receive benefits, or are just concerned about this, be sure to sign the Social Security Disability Reform Petition and read the horror stories from all over the nation.  Petition

 

And check out these stories:

 

A Bump on the Head

 

Dying Before Disability Benefits - R-News ? Time Warner ? Channel 9

 

Sick of Waiting

 

Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits ? Some advice from the President/Co-founder of The Social Security Disability Coalition

 

Ask your elected officials to introduce or support  Fullerton - Edwards Social Security Disability Reform Act

 

Social Security Disability Nightmare ? It Could Happen To You!

 

 

Two slogans at the Social Security Disability Coalition:  "Don't be a victim; become victorious!" and "I am disabled and my vote counts too!"

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Comments: 51

Swimming With The Tide O. Jan 13, 2008, 2:19pm EST
Social Security Disability has been in need of reform for ages. After reading these peoples stories, it shows how desperately it was needed years ago.
Angela A. Jan 13, 2008, 2:38pm EST
I had to say I am glad you posted this here. I hope by bringing this to the attention to everyone and all of us on here as well as around the world can finnally make a bit of a difference. Back when I was born and had to have a stoma put in so that my kidnies would drain out as they were suposed to it took mom 8 years to prove that what I had to have was a medical nessesaty so they would be paid for and I would not stay wet all the time. And now that it is approved and has been for years they have stoped paying for it and it comes out of pocket. Some times with the system in the mess it is in I wonder what all of us who need medical help are going to do when it stops paying for the little it does pay. Latly it seems as if it is not paying for anything. Every time I go in to a hospital I wonder when I will be getting a bill for something my insurance was suposed to pay and will just sit back and do nothing. I agree with what you say something needs done and fast.
Marilyn M. Jan 13, 2008, 2:41pm EST
Indeed, SWTT. We don't realize these things until we're in the position to need. I know I didn't. I have to admit that I was like others. When I heard about stories of people who were turned down for SSD or whose cases took so long, I figured they either were not disabled or had filled out the papers the wrong way or something that was their fault. Then I had to apply myself. It's been 5 years, and I still have not been approved, and yet my physical ailments get worse and more numerous. :-)
Marilyn M. Jan 13, 2008, 6:24pm EST
It's unbelievable that people have to wait 10 years, isn't it?
Cheryl R. Jan 13, 2008, 7:52pm EST
Marilyn, thank you for publishing this information. When I worked as a county caseworker determining eligibility for medicaid benefits, I encountered many cases where I feared individuals might die before Social Security made a decision. You had to wonder sometimes if people were purposely kept in the system without a decision, if it was an intentional procedure of the Social Security system.
Midnite Writer -- Kim Jan 13, 2008, 10:04pm EST
Good links and resources for everyone. "SSI" has been in trouble for years, wonder if they will ever get it to where it should be and to those who desperately need it. Makes me sad that there is so much waste in our government. So many more people could be helped if this was streamlined somehow.

Thanks!
Bethany C. Jan 14, 2008, 12:10am EST
I guess I didn't realize what a miracle it was that my husband got his disability so quickly. Someone had told him to go talk to his congressman or senator and he did. It helped, I'm sure, that there was an election coming up that year. Another friend of mine tried for about a year and I thought that was a long time.
DIANE D. Jan 14, 2008, 1:03am EST
THANKS FOR THE LINKS, I WILL USE THEM
denise e Jan 14, 2008, 10:14am EST
thanks for all the great information
Marilyn M. Jan 14, 2008, 7:16pm EST
I hope everyone watched this news tonight. If not, the second part runs tomorrow. CBS news also said they have some links to share on their web site about SSD.
Marilyn M. Jan 14, 2008, 7:17pm EST
I'm sure the CBS web site will also give highlights of this broadcast and maybe the segment itself later tonight or tomorrow.
Alison H. Jan 14, 2008, 10:20pm EST
Thank you for this information, I hope to hear at least one of these programs.
Larry M. Jan 14, 2008, 10:35pm EST
I have a friend who successfully got the disability. But the amount of money isn't really enough to keep him alive with his medical bills. If he didn't have friends who contribute and do things for him he woud be dead now.
Roger Kiser Jan 14, 2008, 10:39pm EST
I know I went through hell trying to fight for SS Disability. They make it as difficult as possible, in hopes that many will just give up the fight, and many do. Everyday they can delay paying benefits, they draw millions in interest.
Dave J. Jan 14, 2008, 11:25pm EST
Thanks for the information. I have had two friends who had to fight the system long and hard to finally get the disability benefits to which they were entitled to.
0Yes I know the problems regrading ssdi. i received mine after a year and a half. I was lucky some wait two to three years. My Partner passed away the day before the paper came stating approval.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Jan 15, 2008, 1:24am EST
I got it and was denied the first time. I really could not work and I got a lawyer and was approved the second time. I don't know what I would have done without the lawyer. I highly recommend getting one until there is reform. Social Security has been very nice to me, but I was lucky.
Meez 3D avatar avatars games
Lalaland
Click on the link above to join. See you in La La Land.
Marilyn M. Jan 15, 2008, 2:34am EST
I agree, Carol. An attorney is pretty necessary. I have one. It didn't help me to move from TX to MI to OH during my application and appeals process.
Jan S. Jan 15, 2008, 2:40am EST
My cousin was asked to prove his disability. The poor man had both legs and several fingers amputated and was on kidney dialysis due to juvenile diabetes. How much more disabled can a person be? He died and his widow is probably going to lose their house. You can imagine how she feels when she hears about pork spending and waste in government programs. Perhaps if they were illegal aliens, everything would have been paid for?
DIANE D. Jan 15, 2008, 4:56am EST
I FORGOT! THANKS FOR THE REMINDER, TONIGHT I WILL. IF YOU SEE ME ON GATHER TELL ME TO GET MY BUTT OFF AND WATCH IT, AGSAIN THANKS SO MUCH!
Marilyn M. Jan 15, 2008, 8:47am EST
That's horrible, Jan. My attorney tells horror stories like that. One of his clients had lost one leg already and there were oozing sores on the other. The judge wasn't convinced until the man took off his bandage and smelled up the room with the open wound.
Beverly T. Jan 15, 2008, 11:20am EST
Oh, darn. Our internet connection was cancelled and I missed seeing this announcement, and didn't see last night's news story. I will definitely try to see it tonight! Thanks for the heads up, Marilyn.

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The Fables of Aesop
Rose T. Jan 15, 2008, 3:31pm EST
Great info! Thx!
Marilyn M. Jan 15, 2008, 7:44pm EST
I hope everyone tuned in tonight. It's amazing to know that there are "quotas" for denials and that SS workers get in trouble if they approve too many cases. The news report said that 2/3 of those who applied and were denied last year gave up. That's what SS is counting on.
Marilyn M. Jan 16, 2008, 1:05am EST
You're right, Maria. The SSA man they interviewed tried to say that it isn't happening.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Jan 19, 2008, 4:08pm EST
Great article. I'm sorry it got buried in my email box... gonna forward this around.
Trudy P. Jan 19, 2008, 4:16pm EST
My husband had to get an attorney that deals with social security claims, before he was approved for benefits.
Kathryn E. Jan 19, 2008, 4:29pm EST
It always was a nightmare but has grown much worse. Many need an attorney to help them.
Curt L. Jan 19, 2008, 5:03pm EST
Thank you! 10!
Mark Lange Jan 19, 2008, 5:48pm EST
After 3 attempts, and 7 years , I finally got my benefits this past August! Praise God! Great post!~
Larry H. Jan 19, 2008, 5:52pm EST
thanks for sharing...
Lisa (I love loons) C. Jan 19, 2008, 6:59pm EST
I missed the show but I will pass this information on to the people in my chronic pain forum and I hope it may help one of them. We have to watch each other's backs, right? Thanks Marilyn, appreciate it so much!
vickey w Jan 19, 2008, 6:59pm EST
Thanks for an informative article
Michelle W. Jan 19, 2008, 7:35pm EST
It took my dad about seven years to finally get approved for SSI Disability. It was proven over and over that he couldn't work due to his RA, Fibromyalgia, disk problems in his back, and many, many other problems. And this was way back in the late 70s, early 80s that he had to fight to get it. He even had an attorney fighting for him, too. I did watch this earlier this week and have known for years that it takes forever to get approved. And they are right, most people give up after they are turned down the first time rather than fight. I say fight for what is yours!
Sharon B. Jan 19, 2008, 9:14pm EST
Wow I did not know about all these problems and yet there are people on SSI Disability because they are drunks. I know of one personally that got his the second time he went in and the only thing wrong with him is the fact that he drinks 2 pots of coffee in the morning and gets jittery from all the caffine and then drinks himself into a stuper every evening. He claimed to the board that he had nerve problems and got his in less than a year. He even admitted to me that he did not like to work. It makes me sick to think about it when there are people out there that really need it.
Carl Prime Time Lee Jan 19, 2008, 11:12pm EST
Thank for the article, very informative.
I didn't get to see the show, but appreciate the links you've included in this article. Thanks.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Jan 20, 2008, 2:19pm EST
Social Security is ridiculous I applied 2 years ago and now have an attorney still waiting on my hearing. Thanks for this information.
Elaine B. Jan 20, 2008, 3:55pm EST
Marilyn, thanks for posting this important information. I think Social Security does needs reforming. It's a shame people work all their lives, and can't get benefits when they become disable.
Sophiya S. Jan 20, 2008, 7:19pm EST
great article
Cortney R. Jan 20, 2008, 11:47pm EST
I was denied twice before I finally got approved the third time around. That was in November and am still waiting to get my first check. I had to hire a lawyer though to get approved this last time. I have been unable to work for a little over five years. To say that the government (social services and social security is difficult to deal with doesn't even begin to describe it. I wish I had been able to see those episodes of CBS.
Philip Dimabo Brown Jan 21, 2008, 6:45am EST
Thanks for this information.
Sherrie H. Jan 21, 2008, 9:36am EST
Thanks for the heads up.
J W. Jan 21, 2008, 10:30am EST
good article
Jessica I. Jan 21, 2008, 10:55am EST
I hate that I missed it. SS is one thing I constantly wonder about for my own future.
Charles Temm JR Jan 21, 2008, 2:29pm EST
the whole program needs work...it'll be a wonder if it exists in 10 years...
Kitty Lone Hawk Jan 22, 2008, 12:14pm EST
DANG IT!! I MISSED IT WILL HAVE TO SEE IF THEY SELL VIDEOS OF THEIR SHOWS ONLINE......was it good?

Personally the whole thing needs rechecked and reformed and re-evaluated.....as I know many HORROR stories about the program including one of my own.

Hoped someone listened.
Barry H. Jan 24, 2008, 8:52am EST
Thanks for posting this. Sorry I got to it late. The way people are treated in the efforts to get SS Disability is criminal, and I do not use that word lightly.
Tim Moore Oct 29, 2008, 11:41am EDT
I watched the CBS two-parter and I was extremely disappointed. They spent 2 or three months doing this "investigative journalism" piece? Good grief. They said nothing that you couldn't get out of a social security field office claims rep or a disability examiner in five minutes. In the end, they presented no useful information that could truly educate politicians on what is wrong with the system and how it needs to be improved. And showing images of people in wheelchairs was amazing. As a disability examiner, one of the first things I learned was that if a person is medically prescribed for the use of a cane on all ground surfaces or the use of a wheelchair, then they are disabled. No ifs, ands, or buts. Pity that CBS couldn't learn that in three whole months of investigating.

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