This is not good news. Let me add my hugs to the rest of the group's.
Although I really understand how this kind of stuff can break your spirit, I really hope you don't stop taking pictures...even the humblest 35-mm camera can create worthy art...it's the photographer that makes the picture, not the equipment (yes, I know there are zillions of special effects...but still...)
I'll be back for a visit to DC this weekend or next week.
Although you didn't ask, I can kick in a few bucks for something or other if you want/need.
I wish there was *more* I could do to help with the other stuff, especially now that I've moved halfway across the country.
Does anyone know of a good public-interest disability law person/social worker type who might help get the paperwork in order?
Please don't be too hard on yourself. Waiting too long to apply for disability and related stuff is a really common thing...In fact, it was one of the mistakes I made--I didn't apply for disability, etc., when I initially became dizzy and couldn't work very much. The paperwork seemed too daunting to me, too...
Yep. That was also one of the things that prevented me from doing it.
And of course, the size of your SSI check depends on your last three years' income.
THe US disability system appears to be meant for people who break their neck or something obvious like that, and become immediately, totally, and completely disabled. It seems very poor at handling slow, difficult-to-diagnose, gradually disabling diseases.
Ouch
Although I really understand how this kind of stuff can break your spirit, I really hope you don't stop taking pictures...even the humblest 35-mm camera can create worthy art...it's the photographer that makes the picture, not the equipment (yes, I know there are zillions of special effects...but still...)
I'll be back for a visit to DC this weekend or next week.
Although you didn't ask, I can kick in a few bucks for something or other if you want/need.
I wish there was *more* I could do to help with the other stuff, especially now that I've moved halfway across the country.
Does anyone know of a good public-interest disability law person/social worker type who might help get the paperwork in order?
Please don't be too hard on yourself. Waiting too long to apply for disability and related stuff is a really common thing...In fact, it was one of the mistakes I made--I didn't apply for disability, etc., when I initially became dizzy and couldn't work very much. The paperwork seemed too daunting to me, too...
Re: Ouch
Re: Ouch
And of course, the size of your SSI check depends on your last three years' income.
THe US disability system appears to be meant for people who break their neck or something obvious like that, and become immediately, totally, and completely disabled. It seems very poor at handling slow, difficult-to-diagnose, gradually disabling diseases.