babs17
02-04-2007, 12:15 AM
I have back multiple injuries and surguries, and applied for SSI, and just finally got a Handicapped sticker for parking (I've been injured badly for a year). I was just wondering what other kinds of help does the state provide for someone in bad health (hopefully just temporary)?
I live in NJ. The sticker has been such a huge blessing so far. Just wondering what other small things I can ask for that can help in a big way.
Thanks.
I live in NJ. The sticker has been such a huge blessing so far. Just wondering what other small things I can ask for that can help in a big way.
Thanks.
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Mz Migraine
02-04-2007, 01:02 PM
That would depend on the "county" you live in. I don't know how SSI works however, when I first received SSDI, my local SS office gave me a booklet with a listing of all my county offices that does things for the disabled/seniors.
In my county I am entitled to:
A free bus that will take me to all my doctors appoitments anywhere in So. Jersey.
Free transportation to take me grocery shopping.
Free and/or discount public transportation.
Free cell phones (while supplies last) :D
Free Wheels On Meals
The list goes on & on............
I don't have a Handicap "sticker". I just have the old fashion tag you just throw on top the dashboard. It belonged to my brother who is now deceased. I figure I'll use his if the time ever comes. My type of disability is "hidden".
If you did not get a booklet, suggest that you check with your local county Social Service Office and/or Social Security Office.
Good Luck! :wave:
In my county I am entitled to:
A free bus that will take me to all my doctors appoitments anywhere in So. Jersey.
Free transportation to take me grocery shopping.
Free and/or discount public transportation.
Free cell phones (while supplies last) :D
Free Wheels On Meals
The list goes on & on............
I don't have a Handicap "sticker". I just have the old fashion tag you just throw on top the dashboard. It belonged to my brother who is now deceased. I figure I'll use his if the time ever comes. My type of disability is "hidden".
If you did not get a booklet, suggest that you check with your local county Social Service Office and/or Social Security Office.
Good Luck! :wave:
babs17
02-04-2007, 04:24 PM
Hello Friend in CHill...I am in the Trenton area.
Thanks for the great reply. The cell phone thing...is that for emergency use only....? that caught my eye in your reply. :)
How long did it take you to get the SSI? I just applied 1 month ago....nobody told me that I would need it. So, I am caught in a rock and a hard place now. My temp disability ended, and I only just applied for SSI now, so I am without income. As you can see...I will need all the help I can get. My doctor tells me that I will not be able to return to work for maybe another 6 m- 1 year.
Thanks for the great reply. The cell phone thing...is that for emergency use only....? that caught my eye in your reply. :)
How long did it take you to get the SSI? I just applied 1 month ago....nobody told me that I would need it. So, I am caught in a rock and a hard place now. My temp disability ended, and I only just applied for SSI now, so I am without income. As you can see...I will need all the help I can get. My doctor tells me that I will not be able to return to work for maybe another 6 m- 1 year.
Mz Migraine
02-04-2007, 06:11 PM
Hey there neighbor! :wave:
No the cell phone is NOT for emergencies. :D The casinos & the State Police are supplementing the cell phone program for the disabled/seniors. :)
The State Police will let you know when there is another open enrollment in your local & county newspapers.
They normally do this approximately 2-3 times a year @ your County Office and/or Municiple Building where the phones are given out at a meeting w/one on one instructions on how to use your new cell phones.
I am not on SSI. I am on SSDI. There is a difference. I was employed for over 35+ years prior to retiring & filing for disability.
From the initial SSDI filing to approval through ALJ Hearing the whole process took 3 1/2 years. :mad:
No the cell phone is NOT for emergencies. :D The casinos & the State Police are supplementing the cell phone program for the disabled/seniors. :)
The State Police will let you know when there is another open enrollment in your local & county newspapers.
They normally do this approximately 2-3 times a year @ your County Office and/or Municiple Building where the phones are given out at a meeting w/one on one instructions on how to use your new cell phones.
I am not on SSI. I am on SSDI. There is a difference. I was employed for over 35+ years prior to retiring & filing for disability.
From the initial SSDI filing to approval through ALJ Hearing the whole process took 3 1/2 years. :mad:
babs17
03-01-2007, 08:48 PM
3 and 1/2 years huh?
I guess this is a good test of my patience. LOL. I just feel like everything is getting so complicated right now. I feel like I keep screwing up with all these rules all over the place. UGG! I can only learn so much from brochores and sites like these...the rest is trial and error.
How are you?? Since you are in CHill....are your MD's near you? Or do you have to travel a lot??
I guess this is a good test of my patience. LOL. I just feel like everything is getting so complicated right now. I feel like I keep screwing up with all these rules all over the place. UGG! I can only learn so much from brochores and sites like these...the rest is trial and error.
How are you?? Since you are in CHill....are your MD's near you? Or do you have to travel a lot??
Mz Migraine
03-01-2007, 09:57 PM
Babs, my Neurologist moved last year from Moorestown to Stratford. :mad:
My other treating physicians I can actually "walk" to their offices. :D
Filing out all those forms can get a little overwhelming & you will be signing your life away believe me. However, what helped me was a medical dictionary which I picked up from my local Dollar Store & a prescription (pills) book which my doctor gave me. :p
Since I was handling my own case initially, I had to keep on top of things like collecting my medical records, getting copies, faxing, etc.
During my 3 years of waiting (before I hired an attorney) I went to my local library & researched online on the way N.J. handled their disability cases. So I already knew of the backlog & knew I had to "put extra $$$ aside." I was well prepared for the long haul. :dizzy:
The following may be helpful:
New Jersey Social Security Disability & SSi Disability Claims http://www.social-security.net/state/new-jersey/
Good luck neighbor because you sure gonna need it dealing w/N.J. I wonder if NJ backlog is still 3-4 years? :confused:
Their emergeny ALJ Hearings were being held in Vorhees instead of Trenton back in 2005 when I had mine because of the backlogs.
:wave:
My other treating physicians I can actually "walk" to their offices. :D
Filing out all those forms can get a little overwhelming & you will be signing your life away believe me. However, what helped me was a medical dictionary which I picked up from my local Dollar Store & a prescription (pills) book which my doctor gave me. :p
Since I was handling my own case initially, I had to keep on top of things like collecting my medical records, getting copies, faxing, etc.
During my 3 years of waiting (before I hired an attorney) I went to my local library & researched online on the way N.J. handled their disability cases. So I already knew of the backlog & knew I had to "put extra $$$ aside." I was well prepared for the long haul. :dizzy:
The following may be helpful:
New Jersey Social Security Disability & SSi Disability Claims http://www.social-security.net/state/new-jersey/
Good luck neighbor because you sure gonna need it dealing w/N.J. I wonder if NJ backlog is still 3-4 years? :confused:
Their emergeny ALJ Hearings were being held in Vorhees instead of Trenton back in 2005 when I had mine because of the backlogs.
:wave:
kaybee
03-02-2007, 08:42 AM
Babs, one of the biggest breaks we're receiving with my husband's SSDI is a huge discount on our property taxes. Here in our county in SC, only 50% of the value of our house is taxed.
Other perks may include a discount on your utilities, no charge to park in public parking garages, reduced fees at state parks, and the list goes on.
Other perks may include a discount on your utilities, no charge to park in public parking garages, reduced fees at state parks, and the list goes on.
babs17
03-02-2007, 11:50 AM
Are these perks found on your state's disability website?
hessie28
03-08-2007, 11:56 PM
I'm from Northern New Jersey. I just applied the other day. I hope it doesn't take 3 years. How does one survive? I would have to go back to work and be in horrible pain. How would I do it? My friend got it on her first try in about 3 months. She had to see one of their doctors first. I have enough documentation so hopefully it will go through.