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Did you read the article? It specifically covers this question. People who are in some sort of pain can still do work if they can find a job that doesn't aggri

Did you read the article? It specifically covers this question. People who are in some sort of pain can still do work if they can find a job that doesn't aggrivate their pain. One example from the article was a woman who had a bad back, but could work a desk job like at a call center. Whent the prospects of that sort of job disappear from their geographical area, the person becomes eligible for disability.

tyingq 10y ago
>Did you read the article. I did. That's one anectodal example. They also say "Recipients are often hesitant to look for full-time employment because they don’t want to risk losing the financial cushion and access to health care that disability insurance provides".
- Spooky23 10y ago
  The reason is that the process for getting SSDI is a nightmare. It takes months or years and often requires a judgement by a law judge. In the meantime, you're screwed. You can't work, have no money and end up in debt. If you don't have kids, you're a low priority for subsidized housing and if you lack relatives who can help, you're in a bad place.
  - tyingq 10y ago
    This makes sense. The crop of "disability lawyers" is somewhat depressing. I wonder how much of your benefits they take in exchange for their services. I assume it's a big number, as they all advertise doing it on contingency..."you don't pay unless we get you approved". Edit: Looked it up. It does get paid out of your benefits, and it can be a substantial amount. "The fee specified in the agreement does not exceed the lesser of 25 percent of the past-due benefits or...$6000" https://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreements.htm https://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreements.htm
    - Spooky23 10y ago
      IIRC, the government pays them a fixed fee for their services. That's why they advertise in daytime TV -- case volume is the only way to make money.

tyingq 10y ago

>Did you read the article. I did. That's one anectodal example. They also say "Recipients are often hesitant to look for full-time employment because they don’t want to risk losing the financial cushion and access to health care that disability insurance provides".

Spooky23 10y ago
The reason is that the process for getting SSDI is a nightmare. It takes months or years and often requires a judgement by a law judge. In the meantime, you're screwed. You can't work, have no money and end up in debt. If you don't have kids, you're a low priority for subsidized housing and if you lack relatives who can help, you're in a bad place.
- tyingq 10y ago
  This makes sense. The crop of "disability lawyers" is somewhat depressing. I wonder how much of your benefits they take in exchange for their services. I assume it's a big number, as they all advertise doing it on contingency..."you don't pay unless we get you approved". Edit: Looked it up. It does get paid out of your benefits, and it can be a substantial amount. "The fee specified in the agreement does not exceed the lesser of 25 percent of the past-due benefits or...$6000" https://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreements.htm https://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreements.htm
  - Spooky23 10y ago
    IIRC, the government pays them a fixed fee for their services. That's why they advertise in daytime TV -- case volume is the only way to make money.