I'm Overwhelmed and don't know where to turn...

[PugDaddyNJ]

I applied to SS disability and was denied. I have Lumbar-sacral central stenosis. Back pain, radiating down my left leg, with sciatica. I also am Diabetic, and have Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both legs and feet, making any type of job that requires standing near impossible, due to pain, burning, numbness in my feet. I have been unemployed for over 2-years, and have not been able to find work
anywhere, at any level. I couldn't even get a Part-time job in a supermarket. At age 57 it is near impossible to find anyone to hire you. Today, the world wants Young and cheap. I find there is no hope.

[veuvegirl]

Originally Posted by PugDaddyNJ

I applied to SS disability and was denied. I have Lumbar-sacral central stenosis. Back pain, radiating down my left leg, with sciatica. I also am Diabetic, and have Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both legs and feet, making any type of job that requires standing near impossible, due to pain, burning, numbness in my feet. I have been unemployed for over 2-years, and have not been able to find work
anywhere, at any level. I couldn't even get a Part-time job in a supermarket. At age 57 it is near impossible to find anyone to hire you. Today, the world wants Young and cheap. I find there is no hope.

I cannot believe you were denied! Is there a way to appeal? This makes no sense with the pain you are going through.

[jasper12]

Then, you should work with your State Vocational rehabilitation agency, and employment center. They may be able to help get you placed, even working at Salvation Army, for minimum wage, at a job you can perform with your disabilities.

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by jasper12

Then, you should work with your State Vocational rehabilitation agency, and employment center. They may be able to help get you placed, even working at Salvation Army, for minimum wage, at a job you can perform with your disabilities.

This is a good idea. ^^^^

Also, are there any call center or telemarketer jobs in your area? They're usually done seated or with an option to sit or stand.

[hey teach]

Get a disability lawyer. Yes, they will take a portion of your original dispensation, but they will expidite the process and get your claim pushed through faster. Rarely, does anyone get approved the first time. Keep trying to get your disability.

[jasper12]

The "Catch-22" of applying for SSDI, an attorney will tell you not to work, as it makes your case weaker. But, unless you have someone to support you, most people have to work. That is where Voc Rehab can help you out, to find you employment with your disability. They can also help you with your SSDI paperwork.

[JanND]

Originally Posted by PugDaddyNJ

I applied to SS disability and was denied. I have Lumbar-sacral central stenosis. Back pain, radiating down my left leg, with sciatica. I also am Diabetic, and have Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both legs and feet, making any type of job that requires standing near impossible, due to pain, burning, numbness in my feet. I have been unemployed for over 2-years, and have not been able to find work
anywhere, at any level. I couldn't even get a Part-time job in a supermarket. At age 57 it is near impossible to find anyone to hire you. Today, the world wants Young and cheap. I find there is no hope.

Just so you know, everyone that applies for disability gets denied the first time...sick system....but it does happen.

My Brother has been in the system for nearly 8 years, he has yet another hearing coming up in the beginning of April. I didn't know this but the judges evidently get a stipend for the denials. We are looking into one of those free SSDI lawyers, or ADA if he is turned down again. He has been turned down 3 other times.

There may be help for Him as a Doctor that my Mother worked for recently ran into Him, and heard his story, and has gone through all his medical papers and re categorized his level of disability.

So, I am suggesting to you that you should try to find a social worker, or contact Americans w/ Disability (ADA ) in your area, and see if there is some help.

I also know that most states have a resource number for people to call, you will ask for the type programs or assistance that you are seeking and they give you the name and phone numbers for your area.

Dial 211 from your local phone. This is called First link here in N.D. But it is supposed to be in all states.
2-1-1 Information and Referral


National 211 Collaborative

Please check. If you feel worse, start w/ some help w/ your depression....often the provider will also make referrals for you for your other needs...do not be shy about asking.

Our taxes have paid for these services, there are there for us to use when we need them, they are often funded based of need.....use them so that they will be there for the next person.

Please apply for all programs, food stamps, medical help, anything you can get information on.

Also, if you are a Vet, get to a VA hospital, get into the programs that have been revamped the last few years. I am sorry for what you are going through, you have several issues that cause real health problems.

Please reach out. You may also want to share what resources you find as you do, for there is always someone else out there that could use the information too. I hope you find some help.

Also, there are agency's that put over 55 yrs old to work, it is called Green Thumb in my area. You may have to ask the 211 operator that one too for your area.

Here is a website that may help you find out about special programs for putting seniors back to work in your area. http://www.aarp.org/work/

I did find a couple sites that have menus w/ some help or links for your medical needs Explaining Spinal Disorders: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

This link also has a forum listed in the top right area of the page Diabetic Neuropathy - Neuropathy and Diabetes - Peripheral Neuropathy