Accessibility of benefits?

[DarkLight]

This was a thought I had from my experience trying to get disability benefits when I couldn’t work. What resources are there for people who don’t have the ability to apply for benefits? In my experience it required both enough money to see doctors, and the ability to jump through a significant number of hoops. Enough hoops that, as a disabled person, I was unable to apply. I contacted people multiple times and was basically told my only option was to hire a lawyer (with no money and a severe anxiety disorder that all but prevented making phone calls).

I know people want to reduce the number of scammers, but how do we make sure that people who need benefits can access them? Looking back and doing some research, it almost seems to me that the scammers have an easier time accessing benefits, because they have the time and money and health to get through the system.

 

[Allegra]

I know of people who donate their time to St. Vincent de Paul Society by helping people apply for benefits and appeal if they are turned down. The elderly are especially vunerable because they may not have anyone left to help them with this. They also help the homeless, single parents, and people who have lost their jobs.

 

[Michael57]

This was a thought I had from my experience trying to get disability benefits when I couldn’t work. What resources are there for people who don’t have the ability to apply for benefits? In my experience it required both enough money to see doctors, and the ability to jump through a significant number of hoops. Enough hoops that, as a disabled person, I was unable to apply. I contacted people multiple times and was basically told my only option was to hire a lawyer (with no money and a severe anxiety disorder that all but prevented making phone calls).

I know people want to reduce the number of scammers, but how do we make sure that people who need benefits can access them? Looking back and doing some research, it almost seems to me that the scammers have an easier time accessing benefits, because they have the time and money and health to get through the system.

Groups like St. Vincent de Paul Society often help people in the circumstances you’ve described.

They will help set up appointments with social workers, doctors, and agencies that will either wave fees or defer until benefits are paid.

They work with some very impoverished people and help get them back on their feet.