Guest guest Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 i had to go on ss disabiity with ra. your dr has to agree that you qualify. my company had short and long term disability i drew 60 percent of my salary from them. i got a company called ALLSUP to represent me. it took about 2 years but i got it. if you would like to talk confidentialy my email is ritawages@... [ ] SSI Questions... I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on Social Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does this work? I've worked at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am fully capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get to me. So, how does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? Also, what does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? ************ **Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?NCID= aolfod0003000000 0001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 , I had RA for 6 years before I had to go on SSDI. Your body will tell you when you can no longer work. It can take months and for some people even years to get on SSDI. (It took me 6 months). If you have long term disability insurance from your employer, I would use that while you wait to get on SSDI. It's hard financially when you are in the process. I had to move in with my mom and grandma while I was going through the process. (I am still there, just waiting to see where my husband can get a job). The nice thing is when you do get approved for SSDI, they will give you backpay from when you became disabiled. (It also depends on when SSDI states is your onset date). Now that I am on SSDI, I am able to get Medicaid. You would be eligable for Medicare after 24 months from your onset date. It differs from state to state, but in Colorado we have CICP (Colorado Indigent Care Program). People who can't get insurance can have access to medical care, it is based on income. That is how I have been able to get my RA medications. When you do decide to file for SSDI, I would recommend getting a lawyer. Hope I answered your questions. Best of luck to you. > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on Social > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does this work? I've worked > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am fully > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get to me. So, how > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? Also, what > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family > favorites at AOL Food. > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 It depends upon if you qualify for SSDI(based on credits) or SSI. Medicare takes the two years to kick in, so some, if not married or too high of an income can get Medicaid while waiting. Some cases go through more quickly than others. In my case, I had to leave my job due to my health and the fact that I could not do it even with an OT's help. I had 5 years without any income at all as that is how long it took me to fight the system. <man_u8@...> wrote: , I had RA for 6 years before I had to go on SSDI. Your body will tell you when you can no longer work. It can take months and for some people even years to get on SSDI. (It took me 6 months). If you have long term disability insurance from your employer, I would use that while you wait to get on SSDI. It's hard financially when you are in the process. I had to move in with my mom and grandma while I was going through the process. (I am still there, just waiting to see where my husband can get a job). The nice thing is when you do get approved for SSDI, they will give you backpay from when you became disabiled. (It also depends on when SSDI states is your onset date). Now that I am on SSDI, I am able to get Medicaid. You would be eligable for Medicare after 24 months from your onset date. It differs from state to state, but in Colorado we have CICP (Colorado Indigent Care Program). People who can't get insurance can have access to medical care, it is based on income. That is how I have been able to get my RA medications. When you do decide to file for SSDI, I would recommend getting a lawyer. Hope I answered your questions. Best of luck to you. > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on Social > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does this work? I've worked > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am fully > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get to me. So, how > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? Also, what > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family > favorites at AOL Food. > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 I hope someone will be able to help me with a major SS delima I've been struggling with for many years now but the answers I've been given have been no help unfortunately. I've been able to work on & off and still don't qualify for SSDI, they say I haven't worked enough quarters to qualify and as of right now, I'd still have to work another 1 1/2 years. My Arthritis has gotten to the point that I can't put off the surgeries I should have had done years ago which makes it to difficult for me to get hired permanently. For me to qualify for SS or any other financial assistance that may be out there, I don't qualify because my Common-Law husband makes over the yearly amount even though we don't have much. I think SS should take into account all the Dr.'s appointments we have to go to and the many medication co-pays some of which are $100, medical equipment that BC/BS doesn't cover, the monthly bills, having a family of 4, living on only 1 income and all the other expenses needed just to live these days. I am in desperate need of financial support during those times when I'm either in the hospital/rehabilitation or unable to work due to health problems. !!PLEASE HELP ME!! > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on Social > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does t his work? I've worked > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am fully > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get to me. So, how > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? Also, what > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family > favorites at AOL Food. > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 , I am soo sorry to hear about your troubles. You need to have enough " credits " in order to qualify for SSDI. I would talk to a social worker in your state to see if you can qualify for grants that help w/ rent, food, etc. If you have too, lie about your common-law husbands income. I wish there was more I could help. I know how hard it is. I was forced to back to live w/ my mom and grandma. I have been on my own since I was 17, and having to move back in with them at 30 is depressing. I would look around online to see if you can qualify for grants, food assistance through local organizations, church etc. I wish you all the best. > > > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on Social > > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does t his > work? I've worked > > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am > fully > > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get to me. > So, how > > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? Also, > what > > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on > family > > favorites at AOL Food. > > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 , Thank you for responding . I tried to get assistance years ago but as I said, because of my " husbands " income we don't qualify for anything at all. Thanks anyway . [] [] > > > > > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on > Social > > > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does t his > > work? I've worked > > > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am > > fully > > > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get > to me. > > So, how > > > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? > Also, > > what > > > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists > on > > family > > > favorites at AOL Food. > > > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 Hi ! I'm sorry for your stress and frustration! I do understand what it is like. I became sick out of college, almost 2 years after. I lost my six figure job due to my health, went through my savings due to medical expenses. I couldn't keep my job due to my health. My doctors would not give me a release to go back to work, and I fought to win my SSDI case for 5 years. I'm a little out of it cognitively today due to my FMS brain fog, unexplained cognitive dysfunction I also get at times, being on pain meds, and having major anxiety today. Did you try SSI? I know that it is income based. My aunt whom is married receives SSI (which is financial need and not based on credits like SSDI is). I'm single yet even though I stay with my mom until I am able to live alone, only my income was determined for any type of assistance with the state. I do not know of any private agencies that help. I've a friend that lives in AZ and gets SSDI plus they give her a grant to pay her rent. I sure wish they did that in my state!! An option that might work to help you get the additional credits you need for the next year and a half, is perhaps working for a temp agency. You could choose the days and hours you are available to work. Many temp agencies even offer benefits these days. This way, if you had a couple of days off a week, you could use for appointments, resting and things. You mentioned surgeries though so I'm not sure if that's possible option for you either. Maybe your state vocational rehabilitation center could help with something? I'm keeping you in my thoughts I know it is a difficult unfair situation to be in. We work for years paying into a system to help us, and some of us have to lose everything, go through extreme stress which makes our health worse, and fight for years, before we get what we deserved to get in the first place. <mns401915@...> wrote: , Thank you for responding . I tried to get assistance years ago but as I said, because of my " husbands " income we don't qualify for anything at all. Thanks anyway . [] [] > > > > > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on > Social > > > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does t his > > work? I've worked > > > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am > > fully > > > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get > to me. > > So, how > > > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? > Also, > > what > > > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists > on > > family > > > favorites at AOL Food. > > > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 That is what Medicaid is for. Just because you have income does not mean you can afford all the tests, drs, drugs...The doctor needs to rule you disabled still, but medicaid is obligated to help the disabled. > > > I hope someone will be able to help me with a major SS delima I've been > struggling with for many years now but the answers I've been given have > been no help unfortunately. > > I've been able to work on & off and still don't qualify for SSDI, they > say I haven't worked enough quarters to qualify and as of right now, I'd > still have to work another 1 1/2 years. My Arthritis has gotten to the > point that I can't put off the surgeries I should have had done years > ago which makes it to difficult for me to get hired permanently. > > For me to qualify for SS or any other financial assistance that may be > out there, I don't qualify because my Common-Law husband makes over the > yearly amount even though we don't have much. I think SS should take > into account all the Dr.'s appointments we have to go to and the many > medication co-pays some of which are $100, medical equipment that BC/BS > doesn't cover, the monthly bills, having a family of 4, living on only 1 > income and all the other expenses needed just to live these days. I am > in desperate need of financial support during those times when I'm > either in the hospital/rehabilitation or unable to work due to health > problems. !!PLEASE HELP ME!! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 , I read someone else's post and they had alot of good ideas. Like I said, I would lie to the state so you can get some income from SSI and qualify for public assistance. I would even go as far as getting a mailbox from The UPS store (I used to work there while I was putting myself through college). You wouldn't have a P.O. Box, it would be a physical address; use that as your primary address to get benefits. I hate to tell you to lie, but I think it is needed sometimes. I know I get food stamps and the social workers are so overworked, they never pay attention. I wish there was more I can tell you. > > > > > > > > I hope I never get to this point, but if I ever had to go on > > Social > > > > Security, would I go on medical from my job first? How does t his > > > work? I've worked > > > > at my job for 35 years, and I have leukemia (CML) and now RA. I am > > > fully > > > > capable of working with CML, but I'm scared that the RA may get > > to me. > > > So, how > > > > does one maintain an income while waiting for Social Security? > > Also, > > > what > > > > does one do for medical insurance once on SSI? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists > > on > > > family > > > > favorites at AOL Food. > > > > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 Just be careful if you do try the SSI..they do occassional reviews since its an income based program. I know someone recently who got audited and had to go with every single one of her bank statements. She had received money she used for her tuition and then got stuck paying it all back to SSA Jeanette <jhkerch@...> wrote: That is what Medicaid is for. Just because you have income does not mean you can afford all the tests, drs, drugs...The doctor needs to rule you disabled still, but medicaid is obligated to help the disabled. > > > I hope someone will be able to help me with a major SS delima I've been > struggling with for many years now but the answers I've been given have > been no help unfortunately. > > I've been able to work on & off and still don't qualify for SSDI, they > say I haven't worked enough quarters to qualify and as of right now, I'd > still have to work another 1 1/2 years. My Arthritis has gotten to the > point that I can't put off the surgeries I should have had done years > ago which makes it to difficult for me to get hired permanently. > > For me to qualify for SS or any other financial assistance that may be > out there, I don't qualify because my Common-Law husband makes over the > yearly amount even though we don't have much. I think SS should take > into account all the Dr.'s appointments we have to go to and the many > medication co-pays some of which are $100, medical equipment that BC/BS > doesn't cover, the monthly bills, having a family of 4, living on only 1 > income and all the other expenses needed just to live these days. I am > in desperate need of financial support during those times when I'm > either in the hospital/rehabilitation or unable to work due to health > problems. !!PLEASE HELP ME!! > > --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 I would be careful about lying now that all the information is documented in the county's system. It can work against you as it did for me and my wife. The social workers know us and our situation and won't change their opinions because we are comparatively 'rich'. The most we qualified for was $10 in food stamps and that was a number of years ago. Now that my wife is on SSD and gets $251/month, and my SSD, along with our granddaughter couldn't qualify for even temporary help, even though we're at or slightly below the federal poverty level. The only way I know that you can be more legal and still win something, you have to have another address that you can live at to 'prove' that you and he are divorced. Having another mailbox won't work here, so I don't think it will work for you, either. I hope you do get something, we've been suffering this problem for almost 20 years. The only reason we're in the good shape we're in is that we own everything including the house we built ourselves. I wish you all the luck. Dennis in eastexas >, I read someone else's post and they had alot of good ideas. Like I said, I would lie to the state so you can get some income from SSI and qualify for public assistance. I would even go as far as getting a mailbox from The UPS store (I used to work there while I was putting myself through college). You wouldn't have a P.O. Box, it would be a physical address; use that as your primary address to get benefits. I hate to tell you to lie, but I think it is needed sometimes. I know I get food stamps and the social workers are so overworked, they never pay attention. I wish there was more I can tell you. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 An audit is a very realistic threat. I do not qualify for food stamps anymore, but I still qualify for medicaid. My expenses on my medical is still more than my income. > > > > > > I hope someone will be able to help me with a major SS delima I've > been > > struggling with for many years now but the answers I've been given > have > > been no help unfortunately. > > > > I've been able to work on & off and still don't qualify for SSDI, > they > > say I haven't worked enough quarters to qualify and as of right > now, I'd > > still have to work another 1 1/2 years. My Arthritis has gotten to > the > > point that I can't put off the surgeries I should have had done > years > > ago which makes it to difficult for me to get hired permanently. > > > > For me to qualify for SS or any other financial assistance that may > be > > out there, I don't qualify because my Common-Law husband makes over > the > > yearly amount even though we don't have much. I think SS should take > > into account all the Dr.'s appointments we have to go to and the > many > > medication co-pays some of which are $100, medical equipment that > BC/BS > > doesn't cover, the monthly bills, having a family of 4, living on > only 1 > > income and all the other expenses needed just to live these days. I > am > > in desperate need of financial support during those times when I'm > > either in the hospital/rehabilitation or unable to work due to > health > > problems. !!PLEASE HELP ME!! > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 I feel obligated to speak up about this. I sincerely hope I don't offend anybody! I know how desperate one can become for financial assistance when they are physically unable to work. Hell, I know firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet when you're perfectly healthy these days! I know what it's like to receive the utility cutoff warnings and the foreclosure notices and to not have food in the house to pack your kids' lunches the next day let alone consider what to make for dinner that night. I know! But I have strong concerns about encouraging anybody to lie to receive benefits or assistance, whether state or federal. First of all, it's near impossible to get away with since they may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, w-2s, bank statements, and all sorts of other documentation. It complicates an already difficult and tedious process and it is very easy to either slip-up or be found out. And as someone else mentions, they do random checks periodically. It's not as simple as qualifying and then you're safe! Also, there are severe penalties for this type of fraud! In addition to making restitution (repaying all of it!), one could be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years for SS fraud. I'm sure the penalties for Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. are similar. And I'm sure that you would feel horrible if this happened to someone that you suggested lying to! I urge everyone to think very carefully before giving false information in an effort to receive benefits and come to terms with what consequences you're prepared to risk as a result. As I said, I hope I haven't offended anybody. I'm not passing judgment but only have the best interests of the members of this group that has been so wonderful and welcoming to me at heart! Love, Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 Everyone, Let me apologize for telling someone to " lie " to receive help. I just know so many people who lie on their applications and they get away with it. I have been known to " fudge " the numbers myself. I was just trying to help. I am sorry. > > I feel obligated to speak up about this. I sincerely hope I don't offend anybody! > > I know how desperate one can become for financial assistance when they are physically unable to work. Hell, I know firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet when you're perfectly healthy these days! I know what it's like to receive the utility cutoff warnings and the foreclosure notices and to not have food in the house to pack your kids' lunches the next day let alone consider what to make for dinner that night. I know! > > But I have strong concerns about encouraging anybody to lie to receive benefits or assistance, whether state or federal. > > First of all, it's near impossible to get away with since they may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, w-2s, bank statements, and all sorts of other documentation. It complicates an already difficult and tedious process and it is very easy to either slip-up or be found out. And as someone else mentions, they do random checks periodically. It's not as simple as qualifying and then you're safe! > > Also, there are severe penalties for this type of fraud! In addition to making restitution (repaying all of it!), one could be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years for SS fraud. I'm sure the penalties for Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. are similar. And I'm sure that you would feel horrible if this happened to someone that you suggested lying to! > > I urge everyone to think very carefully before giving false information in an effort to receive benefits and come to terms with what consequences you're prepared to risk as a result. > > As I said, I hope I haven't offended anybody. I'm not passing judgment but only have the best interests of the members of this group that has been so wonderful and welcoming to me at heart! > > Love, > Judy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 It can be rather dangerous to do. SSA even has a link to turn individuals in anonymously for any types of frauds, not only do they have to pay money back but end up with criminal records as well. <man_u8@...> wrote: Everyone, Let me apologize for telling someone to " lie " to receive help. I just know so many people who lie on their applications and they get away with it. I have been known to " fudge " the numbers myself. I was just trying to help. I am sorry. > > I feel obligated to speak up about this. I sincerely hope I don't offend anybody! > > I know how desperate one can become for financial assistance when they are physically unable to work. Hell, I know firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet when you're perfectly healthy these days! I know what it's like to receive the utility cutoff warnings and the foreclosure notices and to not have food in the house to pack your kids' lunches the next day let alone consider what to make for dinner that night. I know! > > But I have strong concerns about encouraging anybody to lie to receive benefits or assistance, whether state or federal. > > First of all, it's near impossible to get away with since they may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, w-2s, bank statements, and all sorts of other documentation. It complicates an already difficult and tedious process and it is very easy to either slip-up or be found out. And as someone else mentions, they do random checks periodically. It's not as simple as qualifying and then you're safe! > > Also, there are severe penalties for this type of fraud! In addition to making restitution (repaying all of it!), one could be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years for SS fraud. I'm sure the penalties for Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. are similar. And I'm sure that you would feel horrible if this happened to someone that you suggested lying to! > > I urge everyone to think very carefully before giving false information in an effort to receive benefits and come to terms with what consequences you're prepared to risk as a result. > > As I said, I hope I haven't offended anybody. I'm not passing judgment but only have the best interests of the members of this group that has been so wonderful and welcoming to me at heart! > > Love, > Judy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 Well put Judy. I am not offended. Like you, I know how frustrating it can be when you don't answer the phone because you know it is a collector. I have medical insurance but my co-pays and deductibles have stretched my limits. I seem to be exceeding the limits everytime I need something done. Because other people get away with lying and cheating, does not make it right. I resent them and the system that allowed it to happen. I received my annual SS statement last month. It says if I become disabled right now my monthly payment would be about $1,885 a month. I know that they would turn me down and that I would have to fight to get one dime from them. I am beginning a long battle with the company that I work for. I have been dedicated and loyal for almost 35 years. Three years ago I won the highest award given by the large coporation that I work for. Over these years I have sacrificed my family and self to give more that 100%. Now I can no longer do my demanding job. To take an inside job would mean a drastic cut in pay and retirement. Some days I couldn't even handle working at a desk. The end is coming and I don't know how to handle it, but I will not belittle my character and reputation. The truth will have to suffice and I know because of that, there will be disappointment. I need to be able to look myself in the mirror and know that I have done what is morally and legally right. Sorry to go so long but in one way or another we all are fighting a battle and not one of us did anything to prevoke it. Just the misfortune of illness. Shirley > > I feel obligated to speak up about this. I sincerely hope I don't offend anybody! > > I know how desperate one can become for financial assistance when they are physically unable to work. Hell, I know firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet when you're perfectly healthy these days! I know what it's like to receive the utility cutoff warnings and the foreclosure notices and to not have food in the house to pack your kids' lunches the next day let alone consider what to make for dinner that night. I know! > > But I have strong concerns about encouraging anybody to lie to receive benefits or assistance, whether state or federal. > > First of all, it's near impossible to get away with since they may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, w-2s, bank statements, and all sorts of other documentation. It complicates an already difficult and tedious process and it is very easy to either slip-up or be found out. And as someone else mentions, they do random checks periodically. It's not as simple as qualifying and then you're safe! > > Also, there are severe penalties for this type of fraud! In addition to making restitution (repaying all of it!), one could be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years for SS fraud. I'm sure the penalties for Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. are similar. And I'm sure that you would feel horrible if this happened to someone that you suggested lying to! > > I urge everyone to think very carefully before giving false information in an effort to receive benefits and come to terms with what consequences you're prepared to risk as a result. > > As I said, I hope I haven't offended anybody. I'm not passing judgment but only have the best interests of the members of this group that has been so wonderful and welcoming to me at heart! > > Love, > Judy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 6, 2008 Report Share Posted May 6, 2008 Hi Judy, I have a feeling your referring to the reply I received about lieing to get financial assistance, although I do appreciate any and all suggestions that may come my way, I would NEVER give false information. In fact I do know of some people who collect financial and medical assistance with no physical/mental disabilities and who DO NOT work but could and that infuriates me to no end because I am severely disabled with Rheumatoid Arthritis and in constant pain, in/out of the hospital having surgery, taking many prescription with co-pays (some that are $100), 2 children, only 1 income (husband), a mortgage, 2 car payments and all the other expences that go with having a family and a home, and I still work when I'm not having surgery! Those people who take advantage of the financial and medical assistance system are nothing but LAZY - SELFISH - CROOKS and should be ashamed of themselves, but I'm sure they don't give another thought to what they're doing illegally. I'm sorry for getting a little heated, it's just not fair to those who want to do what's right. Judy, you are absolutely right and I'm glad you said what you did although those people who do lie will most likely continue to lie. Take Care, > > I feel obligated to speak up about this. I sincerely hope I don't offend anybody! > > I know how desperate one can become for financial assistance when they are physically unable to work. Hell, I know firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet when you're perfectly healthy these days! I know what it's like to receive the utility cutoff warnings and the foreclosure notices and to not have food in the house to pack your kids' lunches the next day let alone consider what to make for dinner that night. I know! > > But I have strong concerns about encouraging anybody to lie to receive benefits or assistance, whether state or federal. > > First of all, it's near impossible to get away with since they may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, w-2s, bank statements, and all sorts of other documentation. It complicates an already difficult and tedious process and it is very easy to either slip-up or be found out. And as someone else mentions, they do random checks periodically. It's not as simple as qualifying and then you're safe! > > Also, there are severe penalties for this type of fraud! In addition to making restitution (repaying all of it!), one could be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years for SS fraud. I'm sure the penalties for Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. are similar. And I'm sure that you would feel horrible if this happened to someone that you suggested lying to! > > I urge everyone to think very carefully before giving false information in an effort to receive benefits and come to terms with what consequences you're prepared to risk as a result. > > As I said, I hope I haven't offended anybody. I'm not passing judgment but only have the best interests of the members of this group that has been so wonderful and welcoming to me at heart! > > Love, > Judy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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