The SSI Aggravation Issue Part II
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
February 8, 2010 3:11pm CST
About a week ago, I did a discussion how I got this "lovely" letter stating that my SSI benefits were to be discontinued beginning next month. The letter stated that since they hadn't heard from me, my benefits would stop. And I'm going huh?
I had originally gotten a letter way back on November 13th questioning my continuing eligibility. On November 16th, a Monday I began my call trek...a trek that would last all these months. I kept calling my caseworker and only succeeded in leaving messages. Not one phone call back to me. On November 19th I had sent in papers as documentation to prove my status. Nada, zilch, zippo. Then in January I got another letter, a repeat of the first one that I needed to contact my SSA office to determine my continuing eligibility...like huh?
Like sheesh, hadn't I been doing that all along? What happened to my phone messages? My documentation? I had even called the toll free 800 SSA number and the woman couldn't understand why I hadn't heard anything. So once again I phoned, called, called leaving yup messages.
Then like I said I received that letter last week, indicating my benefits would stop next month since they hadn't heard from me...Like what the frick was going on?
Well I got in contact with a representative from my Congressman's office and she told me she would make a call to SSA to the supervisor at the SSA office and would get back to me as soon as she heard anything. In the meantime to be safe I sent a Request For Reconsideration form last Thursday Priority/Certified/Return Request Mail and by tracking it, it was delivered the next day. Well, nothing was happening and the clock was literally ticking since that letter indicated SSA needed to hear from me within ten days of getting that grime letter otherwise my benefits would definitely stop next month.
So today, got up real early--anyone who knows me, knows I'm a real night owl and go to bed late and get up late...well last night forced myself to go to bed early to get up early and did. After a STRONG cup of coffee, I called SSA...nada...the phone kept ringing and no one was picking up, so then I called the representative again...she said she would call the supervisor again at SSA and for her to call me back...so I'm waiting, waiting, waiting..nothing. Now it's getting to be 3:00--the SSA office closes at 4:00---so called the representative again..She said she would call the SSA supervisor again.
Within minutes my phone rings, and yup the supervisor....she was rather gruff and wasn't really interested in what I had to say...I tried to explain the whole thing about all my calls, the documentation, etc...but she wasn't interested (of course maybe the representative had told her everything as I was very detailed when I had initially emailed the representative). She asked me questions that I thought really had nothing to do with the initial reason for discontinuing my benefits, like asking me my birthdate, where I was born, if I was married or ever had been married, blah, blah, blah 
And that was it...but.........
The good news is that my benefits will resume/continue and I'm supposed to get a letter soon confirming it (of course if I don't you better believe I'll be calling that representative again).
Thought I'd share my good news. And thanks ever for all of you who may have been saying prayers for me that this would go in my favor.
So--------Any of you have good news lately? 
Anything at all??
Like sheesh, hadn't I been doing that all along? What happened to my phone messages? My documentation? I had even called the toll free 800 SSA number and the woman couldn't understand why I hadn't heard anything. So once again I phoned, called, called leaving yup messages.
Then like I said I received that letter last week, indicating my benefits would stop next month since they hadn't heard from me...Like what the frick was going on?
Well I got in contact with a representative from my Congressman's office and she told me she would make a call to SSA to the supervisor at the SSA office and would get back to me as soon as she heard anything. In the meantime to be safe I sent a Request For Reconsideration form last Thursday Priority/Certified/Return Request Mail and by tracking it, it was delivered the next day. Well, nothing was happening and the clock was literally ticking since that letter indicated SSA needed to hear from me within ten days of getting that grime letter otherwise my benefits would definitely stop next month.
So today, got up real early--anyone who knows me, knows I'm a real night owl and go to bed late and get up late...well last night forced myself to go to bed early to get up early and did. After a STRONG cup of coffee, I called SSA...nada...the phone kept ringing and no one was picking up, so then I called the representative again...she said she would call the supervisor again at SSA and for her to call me back...so I'm waiting, waiting, waiting..nothing. Now it's getting to be 3:00--the SSA office closes at 4:00---so called the representative again..She said she would call the SSA supervisor again.
Within minutes my phone rings, and yup the supervisor....she was rather gruff and wasn't really interested in what I had to say...I tried to explain the whole thing about all my calls, the documentation, etc...but she wasn't interested (of course maybe the representative had told her everything as I was very detailed when I had initially emailed the representative). She asked me questions that I thought really had nothing to do with the initial reason for discontinuing my benefits, like asking me my birthdate, where I was born, if I was married or ever had been married, blah, blah, blah And that was it...but.........
The good news is that my benefits will resume/continue and I'm supposed to get a letter soon confirming it (of course if I don't you better believe I'll be calling that representative again).
Thought I'd share my good news. And thanks ever for all of you who may have been saying prayers for me that this would go in my favor.
So--------Any of you have good news lately? Anything at all??12 people like this
33 responses
@AmbiePam (85273)
• United States
8 Feb 10
That's a migraine and a half. Sure to make your blood pressure rise to epic proportions. I guess I don't have any good news in particular. I had my second neck procedure done this morning, and that went okay, so I guess that is good news.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157481)
• United States
8 Feb 10
Wow, you are doing great to be up and MyLotting. When is the next one?
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
How many more procedures do you need? Did you have the same problem of not sleeping like you did last time?
1 person likes this
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Jeez....Well Ain't That America..... congrats, I hope..who knows what will happen next but Kudos to you for getting them to do something about it. I hope it goes smoothly. I hate dealing with Social Security. I'm afraid to try and go back to work now because so many people have had their benefits just dropped and then they can't keep working and they get screwed and have to go through hoops to get back on ssi.
2 people like this
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
10 Feb 10
The way I understand it is you have a certain amount of months to try and go back to work full time without it affecting your benefits...however everyone I have talked to that has tried to do that was cut off immediately....so I don't know what to believe. I also know you can make a certain amount part time and can't remember how that is figured but it is on the website. I just don't want to mess it all up and find I get sick and am left with nothing....it's the story of my pathetic life...lol
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
To tell you the truth I wouldn't mind getting some kind of part time job just to bring a little extra money in, but then one's benefits go way down...like Huh? 
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Feb 10
Well the rule is, is people on SSI can earn an extra $85.00 a month without benefits being affected...people on SSI-D can earn up to $500 a month (think that's the amount)---now while considered disabled and can't "work" I didn't have enough work points to qualify for SSI-D even though I had worked--go figure. Then I think the rule is, if you make over those amounts SSA deducts a certain amount from your benefits. Sheesh
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
9 Feb 10
That's really great news, Pye. And you have worked hard to make it happen, nevertheless. I believe that you have been right all along, and since your stance is strong, there's nothing they can do to discontinue your benefits. Awesome, yeah. Time for a small celebration. Here's a virtual coffee for you ======== {{{CO}}} drink it while it's hot. That's supposed to be a coffee symbol, but came out like that, LOL.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Yes time to celebrate...LOL. I actually woke up today with a smile on my face rather than the feeling of a burden hanging over me. What a relief
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
8 Feb 10
oh pyewacket thats great news.wow I am so glad the best news I have had all day. yester day I did a really dumb stupid thing. I had this jar of salted peanuts sitting on my bureau next to my monitor so kept nibbling,I am not supposed to get any extra salt, nor am I really supposed to eat nuts,but stupidity ruled. result. yesterday afternoon it started the peanut diarrhea,oh wwo, all night and most of today..I swear I will never eat another peanut even salt free again.so your good news has really cheered me up
something fierce. I also sent my prayers for you to getthis all straightened out. but I bet it was the representative that turned the trick plus our prayers of course.good i am so glad you will be reinstated.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
LOL--sort of with those peanuts you couldn't just eat one...I do that with chocolate...and I'm not really supposed to have too many sweets due to a low blood sugar problem. Thanks for your prayers Hatley and here's hoping all your prayers are answered soon
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157481)
• United States
8 Feb 10
I am with you, no bad news. Lots of new users on MyLot it appears, and mostly I am being nice to them.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
I think they hope that a person will simply give up and walk away into the sunset without making a fuss...uh, they don't know me...LOL
@celticeagle (158680)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb 10
I am so very glad to hear that you finally got some positive feedback. If I didn't get the promised continuation letter pretty quickly i would be calling your rep again. I am thankful she is receptive and helpful. I think it is obvious your SSA office is over worked and it isn't going to get any better any time soon. I hope you have continued good luck in this. Looks like a little something is looking up. Fingers are crossed.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Hopefully I'll get that confirmation letter by the end of the week, otherwise you bet I'll contact my representative again
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
8 Feb 10
Waah, that's a heck of a story! I'm glad it turned out well for you in the end, after all the aggravation! Cross your fingers for me, because I applied for SSI for my son recently, and will soon be dealing with all that sort of thing. (I really need to apply for ME but I need to somehow get to a doctor here first).
Good news... hmm.
I suppose my most recent good news is that I'm getting a driver's license! I know, I know, I'm almost thirty and have never had one, but there were reasons! And now I have a nice little paper from the driving class I took saying I passed their third party test and all I have to do is get to the DMV tomorrow and they'll give me a license!
1 person likes this
@blummus (451)
• United States
8 Feb 10
Lecanis, I wish you all the best in your application for your son. As for you, if you have not been to a doctor for your condition, the SSA may set up appointments for you to see their doctors for the purpose of evaluation. It's limited as all get-out, but if you can't afford or get to a doctor, it's not a total stop for your own application.
*hugs*
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Well I hope you don't get the run around with SSI for your son--LOL..maybe you should seek your Congressman to speed things up. Congrats on getting a driver's license...oh, I never learned to drive so don't have a driver's license and I'm 54
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
9 Feb 10
Thanks for the tip, blummus! :D
Hehe, thanks, pye, maybe I should do that! And I totally understand on the license thing.. I sort of just didn't have a chance when I was younger, and as I got older it got harder and harder. Friends kept promising to teach me and then not doing it, or starting with comments like "everyone knows how to drive, here, just show me" and making me want to kick their teeth in because I was asking them to teach me because I didn't know!
I finally wound up taking a driving class, which was pretty hilarious because I was with a bunch of 15-year-olds taking it! One of them hit on me... lol.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Ah yes it's ALWAYS good news when one doesn't bounce checks...LOL
2 people like this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
8 Feb 10
Hi Sweets
It must have been so frustrating to go through that.
Unless you have been through it you can not fathom it!!!
I'm so glad that it's all ok again.
Last year I got a letter saying I was to be re-evaluated to if I was still disabled.
The very next week I get a letter saying there is no reason to re-eval me and that I will not be recieving papers to fill out.
DUHHHHH-huh?
Like you I'm just happy to have it behind me.
Big Hugs Sweetheart
xoxoxoxoxoxo
2 people like this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
9 Feb 10
I sat on edge reading your post. I know the stress of dealing with people whom you are relying on. I wasn't overly concerned because I know you are one determined lady. It was you who helped me last year deal with the IRS people. You knew all the right people to call and encouraged me not to give up. I knew you'd do whatever it took to make this right ....and you did!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Thanks sid556...yes I sometimes think my life can be like a soap opera at times. And I'm glad I was able to help you out with your IRS problems
1 person likes this
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Congrats!!! I am glad you got it straightened out. I think the SSA just puts it off as long as they possibly can hoping htat the person will just accept and stop. They are right there to kick you out, but of course, can't be contacted to let you back in.... unless you are an illegal alien, then they bring your check to your door and ask if you need more!!!!
I hope mine goes as well... I am still waiting for a hearing date (been 6 months now) and I have a lawyer working on it!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
I know I often think a person will give up and walk quietly into the sunset without a fight, but since this is my only income coming in I HAD to fight it. Maybe you should contact a Congressman yourself...most do have representatives that deal with SSA issues and benefits and often works faster than a lawyer--don't forget lawyers like to drag things out...the more time spent the more money they get in fees for winning a case
1 person likes this
@jerzgirl (9226)
• United States
8 Feb 10
I'm telling you - the people who work for the government are as much freeloaders as those they accuse of freeloading! They do as little as possible and get a paycheck for doing nothing. They lie, they cheat, they do whatever to look like they're working, yet they accomplish nothing. I know this because I worked for them before (IRS) and saw it for myself. People getting on as union reps and taking multiple breaks a day but writing it off as union meetings. People stuffing work in their desks and signing off as complete and then getting production awards for work they'd never done at all. That missing child in Florida who was missing for over a year before anyone even checked because the worker kept signing off that she'd been visiting the home regularly when she hadn't. Boxes of tax returns found stuffed in ceiling tiles unprocessed because the processing center had fallen behind and didn't want to "look bad" - so they hid the work instead of processing it. The same for the post office - literal truck loads of mail unprocessed and bounced from center to center instead of being processed because moving it took it off their books so it didn't look like they were slacking off. For many, being a Federal employee (or a State employee) is just another type of welfare - and worse as far as I'm concerned because they are sworn in to uphold the law and serve the public. All too often they don't!!
I'm happy you got through. Sounds like that supervisor is part of the problem - she just doesn't care enough to see to it that her employees follow through and instead of being apologetic to you for her employees' failure, she gets testy. I'd like to see them lose their jobs and people who WANT to work be put in their place. Let them be on the other end of things for a while. I'll bet they wouldn't like it one bit!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Govt workers sure get enough as far as pay, I'm guessing..if they worked like this for some other company (non-govt) they be fired in a flash. I'm almost betting all that documentation I had sent is sitting on someone's desk or shoved in a drawer somewhere and wasn't even looked at, otherwise all this crap wouldn't have dragged on so for so long. As far as that supervisor being testy, she probable also was since I had a representative from a big wig Congressman helping me out and no doubt just didn't like being told what to do.
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Oh, Pye! I'm SO happy to hear that this issue has been cleared up, rather quickly as far as SSA goes! If you're not persistent with these people, you get nowhere. Ya dunn good, girl!!!
Hmmm, good news? Uh, let me think. Well, if you are absolutely insane and love four feet of snow, then I have GREAT news! We just got 32 inches, on top of a previous 12 inches from two storms before the big one last weekend and now we're expecting up to another foot tomorrow. So, if you absolutely adore snow, that's great news. LOL
I guess that's it for my news. I'm not snowbound because we got dug out from the massive storm on Sunday but I am housebound. My husband's truck is in the shop waiting to have a new transmission installed. This last storm stalled that work and I'm sure it'll be stalled again tomorrow, so I'm stuck here while he uses my SUV for work.
But, I am getting a lot of stuff done around here so that's good. I'm finally making a really big dent in the piles of boxes of my mother's things that I haven't had time to get to before now. So, okay, I DO have some good news, although it's not nearly as good as yours!
Now, I have to move this old carcass into my other bedroom because my husband is asleep and farting up a storm... stinky ones, too! Whew!!! 
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
we were supposed to get hit with a lot of snow this past weekend, but somehow it missed us...now they're saying a new snowstorm will start tomorrow night and this time we might not be so lucky to be bypassed. Mmmm..I do like snow but not that much though--whenever a really big one hits NYC area the whole city is at a standstill
As for your hubby's farts.......ewwwwwwwwww
1 person likes this
@blummus (451)
• United States
8 Feb 10
First of all, Pywacket, GO YOU!!!
Second, I had a mightily relieving call from my SSI worker this morning. I'd been lagging with getting my materials in for the pre-doctor-exam appointments, and I called last week hoping to get a little more time. The worker talked to my sister, and when the conversation was over, the worker was going to set the appointments for both a psych and a physical exam, and I should get official notice of the appointments in a day or two. I also got my paperwork mailed off, so all in all I'm very hopeful.
On top of that, my sister has a job interview tomorrow. Needless to say, it's all very reassuring.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Well glad to hear you have great news too Amazing all the paperwork one has to do when dealing with the SSA too, right, like never ending. and glad to hear about your sister....wishing her lots of luck
Amazing all the paperwork one has to do when dealing with the SSA too, right, like never ending. and glad to hear about your sister....wishing her lots of luck
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
9 Feb 10
I got some good news from Gieco yesterday, technically 2 pieces of good news. My husband had shoulder surgery back in October and since is car wasn't being driven we had it place on storage status. when we did this we were told we'd get back 70% of everything but the comprehensive. Since his car is considered a sports car, his coverage is roughly double what mine is, even so I didn't expect the amount. If the rep I spoke to yesterday is correct were getting a refund of about $197, that not only covers our monthly payment for March (and the last payment on the policy) but will pay down our next policy that starts April 1st.
The other bit of good news. My husband has a ticket from 2007 that cause us to go from Premium driver to Good driver when we got our rate quote. in October we get our Premium status back which will drop out insurance quite a bit (the girl said $300/6 months, bu I find that hard to believe; I'm not complaining though, if that's true we'd be pay $84/month for full coverage on 2 cars).
1 person likes this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
11 Feb 10
I think they are. I've never had any problems getting issues handled or crazy rate hikes.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Feb 10
That really is good news about that nice refund you'll be getting back and that your husband's driver's status is up again---I guess Gieco is a good company then,right?
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Feb 10
I can feel your pain my friend. I am waiting to hear from SSA on my claim. I don't know how long it takes to hear something if you've never gotten benefits before. My doctors are trying to help as they tell me that my back will never get better, and in fact only get worse. I am no longer able to drive or work :(
On the bright side, we got alot of snow today. So pretty! Tonight may be nasty as there was alot of sleet mixed in this afternoon, and now the temperature is dropping. Mike tells me there is about 6 inches of slush on the driveway to the apartment complex and the side roads with the temps headed to the low 20's. We may get out by Thursday! LOL
1 person likes this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
22 Feb 10
ooo...that's good idea. Hubby has a friend in Congressman Ross' office, so maybe that will be a good start. I have heard of a very few that were approved on the first try. This is my second, so perhaps I will be lucky. The first time, I didn't know that I should have appealed. But, my back wasn't nearly in as bad a condition then as it is now. So hopefully, they will look at the first one and realize that after 3 years it has gotten worse instead of better like the doctors hoped back then. 
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Well if you don't get things going your way soon with SSA and benefits how about contacting your local Congressman...almost all have some kind of representative that deals with SSA issues. I only say that since I've heard too many people say that SSA almost automatically turns people down first round..you have to keep at it and appeal. I was lucky..when I first was trying to get SSI it ONLY took a year...sounds long time but I've heard others say it took them more than six years and that with a lawyer too...so best bet...get a representative from a Congressman to support you
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (45433)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Feb 10
Glad to hear that everything worked out. Those questions she asked you sounded like intake questions.
Nothing new to report on this side... still waiting on a couple things.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (45433)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
9 Feb 10
Still trying to get disability, and some work done on the house. I was approved in June for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program but needed to get two quotes on the work. I had a heck of a time trying to get contractors to come and do a quote. I got one in the fall, but couldn't get another until a couple weeks ago, but apparently, he hasn't sent his quote in to the organization yet...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Sounds like that Assistance Program is dragging their feet about it. Since June???
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
What ya waiting on?? Okay being nosy
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
8 Feb 10
Congrats!
My husband may not be let go at the end of February. It may be March. But every month closer to the end of the heating season is goooood news. I would really like all our heating bills paid before he ends up with 1/2 pay unemployment. Most people were let go on time or earlier. So it may be too late to celebrate. The month isn't over with yet and the beginning of March isn't here, so we will see. It would me so nice if the end of May instead of March. I keep hoping and praying. I really would like him to not be laid off at all, but every week we can get, we'll take.
I'm glad you aren't going to loose benefits. It can be really hard to get them back and they can take a long time.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Feb 10
It's times like these though that one learns the true meaning of living day by day and believe me not easy. It can be so emotionally draining not knowing what is going to happen as I'm sure you're experiencing with your husband being laid off eventually. Is there anyway he can look for a job too before he is?
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Very true! You're wise oh great Pye Wacket!
If they keep changing the date when he will get laid off, that makes it heard for him to look for a job and all his time for vacation, sick, etc. has been used up. Between snow days and the H1N1, it has been very difficult for him not to take time.
So that I don't get emotionally drained, I'm staying as busy as I can. The crew he's working with is running on wicked energy right now. They're pumping out work for all they're worth to show their worth and it's getting noticed. I don't think the powers that be will let them go unless they absolutely have to. The trouble is, with this economy, they may have to.
1 person likes this
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
9 Feb 10
First of all, congrats!! It takes guts to fight like you did and I am quite sure there are lots out there who just let it all go.
That is not good got let it go. We are entitled to these benefits, Social Security, VA, etc.
I have fought for my veteran husband for 26 plus years now and he reaped the benefits of VA benefits,but, it's was not without a fight. I wrote letter after letter to senators, congressman, who ever would listen or take time to read and answer me back.
Now, after two heart attacks of my own and a loss of heart function of about 34% I am being refused disablilty. I am 61 yrs old and they tell me I can do my old work class of store clerk. I am a nurse ! No way would they mention that in their letter.
but, I have appealed and will soon know, I hope. I have received two letters and two phone calls from this SS office here in Oklahoma and hope to get good news soon.
I did not or so far have not used an atty. I might have to, but I received letters from two attys. who would go to bat for me with only 25% of my back pay if I should win disability benefits.
So , blow me away ! I sat down and wrote a four page letter of my arguments of why I cannnot work anymore. In the course of waiting I've changed doctors and the RN who helps him out read my letter and said, WOW! I bet they gave it to you, didn't they??"
Sadly,I told her no but the letter was MY first real defense. No attys yet , at least so far.
Anyway, I'm in the process of waiting but unlike you, I've been blessed with good representatives from the SS admin.
Good luck to you and may God Bless.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Feb 10
It's a shame and crime that it seems one has to struggle and fight for everything just to live comfortably. I'm glad your husband finally got his VA benefits and I'm keeping my fingers crossed you get your benefits soon
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
10 Feb 10
Thanks for caring. WE work, we have worked all our lives thinking we are due our benefits when we get old and even when our bodies fail us we have this deep down knowledge that we will be taken care of by our own. It's just not all that way for some us.
LIke you. You had to fight just for someone to call you, acknowledge you are a real person and that just is not right.
America needs to pay closer attention because we are losing a lot if not all our individual rights.
Thanks for your good wishes and the same back to you.
God bless
1 person likes this
