Basically the title. But for context:

I have AvPD, Avoidant Personality Disorder. I know I'm not the only hexbear who suffers from this, as it's been discussed here and mentioned a few times. It's pretty severe in my case, enough that the psychologist I am able to see (at a low-income clinic that accepts my state's version of medicaid) has been strongly suggesting that I apply for disability. And without going into detail, I don't know how I'm going to survive in the looming, relatively near future without aid. (I'm already on SNAP aka foodstamps and really struggling). So I applied for SSI. I have my first means-testing meeting this week. It will just be over the phone, but they say to have at least 2 hours of time for the interrogation. I'm deeply dreading it, and figured it couldn't hurt to see if anyone here maybe had some advice. I know I will be denied at first, that denial on the first attempt is a given for literally everyone since they want to weed out people who "aren't serious" about needing help. I know I'll have to reapply and appeal probably a few times and even then it's not exactly likely, especially since I'm applying with a psychological problem rather than physical. I do have some physical problems too, but they are secondary.

So... is there anything a person should know going in? Does anyone have experiences with the process that they'd care to share? Or hell, even just thoughts on how fucked up the whole thing is.

    • AncomCosmonaut [he/him,any]
      ·
      3 years ago

      Sigh. Yeah, it's looking like it's going to be a long and uncertain process. Do you mind if I ask if you ended up being successful? Are you still trying to get on?

      I did talk to a lawyer before hand, but he said he only gets involved after the first denial. I'm supposed to send him the rejection letter and that's when he gets started on things. So that's what I'll be doing. Thanks for the advice.

        • AncomCosmonaut [he/him,any]
          ·
          3 years ago

          Sorry to hear that comrade. Though I'm glad you were able to find a way to sustain yourself.

        • AncomCosmonaut [he/him,any]
          ·
          3 years ago

          Also, if you don't mind... What kind of questions do they specifically ask? Is it just "explain your situation and provide these listed details" or do they ask you to go through and describe a a typical day? I mean I know they'll be asking about medical history stuff, but what the hell kind of questions are they going to be asking that I need to have 2 hours clear for the interview?

            • AncomCosmonaut [he/him,any]
              ·
              3 years ago

              I'm so sorry you had to go through that disgusting degrading shit, especially since you never even got anything for all of it. Fucking enraging. It's all part of the plan of course. They'd rather people just become homeless and destitute as an example of what happens to people who won't (or in this case can't) be wage slaves and serve capital, rather than give them FREE MONEY. Since they can't yet outright abolish the tiny joke of a social safety net, they'll make it next to impossible to actually get any benefit from it.

              I'm not looking forward to it to say the least, and it's looking like it will take a few years before I get anything if I get anything.

              Thanks for your input comrade. And again, my condolences to you. As well as solidarity.