jump to content

my subreddits

edit subscriptions

popular

-all

-users

|

AskReddit

-pics

-funny

-movies

-gaming

-worldnews

-news

-todayilearned

-nottheonion

-explainlikeimfive

-mildlyinteresting

-DIY

-videos

-OldSchoolCool

-europe

-TwoXChromosomes

-tifu

-Music

-books

-LifeProTips

-dataisbeautiful

-aww

-science

-space

-Showerthoughts

-askscience

-Jokes

-Art

-IAmA

-Futurology

-sports

-UpliftingNews

-food

-nosleep

-creepy

-history

-gifs

-InternetIsBeautiful

-GetMotivated

-gadgets

-announcements

-WritingPrompts

-philosophy

-Documentaries

-EarthPorn

-sweden

-photoshopbattles

-listentothis

-blog

-svenskpolitik

-swedishproblems

-intresseklubben

-Allsvenskan

-spop

-SWARJE

more »

reddit.com disability

comments

Want to join? Log in or sign up in seconds.

limit my search to r/disabilityinclude NSFW results
[-]
use the following search parameters to narrow your results:

subreddit:subreddit

find submissions in "subreddit"

author:username

find submissions by "username"

site:example.com

find submissions from "example.com"

url:text

search for "text" in url

selftext:text

search for "text" in self post contents

self:yes (or self:no)

include (or exclude) self posts

nsfw:yes (or nsfw:no)

include (or exclude) results marked as NSFW

e.g. subreddit:aww site:imgur.com dog

see the search faq for details.

advanced search: by author, subreddit...

this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2025

49 points (90% upvoted)

shortlink:

Link it

Text it

disability
joinleave

Disability

News, resources, and perspectives pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

Feel free to edit your flair to reflect whatever disability you identify as having. This doesn't have to be a medical diagnosis either. You can identify as "Deaf," "wheelchair-user" or just plain "crip," as some folks do. And, if you don't have a disability, no worries! Just mark it up however you like.

Need help now?

Text START to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line

SEARCH POSTS BY FLAIR

Question

Article / News

Concern

Rant

Video

Image

Blog

Intimacy

Other

Rules

1: Always follow:

Reddit Content Policy & Redditquette

2: We enforce a standard of common decency and civility here.

All users are expected to be respectful to other users at all times. Personal attacks, bigotry, fighting words, otherwise inappropriate behavior or content, and comments that insult or demean a specific user or group of users will be removed and offenders banned.

3: No promotion or self-promotion!

Posts pertaining to any kind of product, service, or publication or social medium are unwelcome. Do not promote your app, channel, disability service, youtube, blog, facebook, discord, or anything of the kind in the sub. This includes fundraising appeals.

For financial support, see /r/Assistance, /r/Care or other subreddits that can help.

4: Surveys (Academic, non profit, commercial, homework, etc) are not permitted here. To post surveys please visit:

Disability Survey

Mods reserve the right to remove content or restrict users' posting privileges as necessary if it is deemed detrimental to the subreddit or to the experience of others.

NEWS

BBC's Ouch! (UK)

Disability News (US)

Disabled World (International)

RESOURCES

Casual Coonversation's Mega List

National Council on Independent Living (US)

Independent Living (UK)

Disability Resource Centre (UK)

Independent Living Canada

Service Canada

Independent Living Centres (AU)

Disability Information and Resource Centre (AU)

Family Village (International)

Success for College Students with Disabilities (US)

Centers for Independent Living (US)

211 (U.S. / Canada)

PERSPECTIVES

Chronic World Adventure

Chronic Illness Humor

Disability Fun

Universal Design Style

Ramp Your Voice

RELATED HELPFUL SUBS

Message the mods to have a sub added

Head on over to /r/disability_survey - to post or participate in surveys relating to disability

HELPFUL SUBREDDITS

Access

Accessibility

AccessibleNaut

Amputee

Anxiety

Aspergers

Athritis

Audio description

Autism

AutismInWomen

Bipolar

Bipolar Reddit

Blind

Body Acceptance

Cerebralpalsy

Chrisability

Chronicpain

Deafblind

Depression

Diabetes

Disability Fitness

Disability Survey

Disabled Gamers

Disabled Sex

Disabled Sex Workers

Down Syndrome

Dwarfism

DWPhelp (UK)

Dysautonomia

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia

Enrich My Enclosure for Bed & Home Bound Individuals

Ehlersdanlos

Epilepsy

Etudiant_e_sHandi

FASD

Hirayama Disease

Interstitial Cystitis

Keratoconus

MEAction

Muscular Dystrophy

Multiple Sclerosis

Narcolepsy

Neurodiversity

Personality Disorders

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Rehabtherapy

SBSK

Schizoaffective

Section8listshoppers - disability housing (US)

Service Dogs

Spinalcord Injuries

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Stutter

Wheelchairs

IMPORTANT POSTS

Non-US Disability Post

SSDI and SSI are two different things Post

Join us on DISCORD

https://discord.gg/dAvzEeYPw9

Any questions? Message the Mods!

Theme based on Mindashq 1.8

a community for 18 years

MODERATORS

message the mods

discussions in r/disability
<>
X

23 · 2 comments

Petition - USA: Restart funding for DeafBlind Children in Wisconsin

52 · 20 comments

Trusts and Able Account information

5 · 2 comments

I think people underestimate the amount of disabled people in the past.

43 · 11 comments

Nudes are the only thing that makes me feel blind

12 · 17 comments

How do I stop so many negative thoughts?

17 · 10 comments

Silenced by society

9 · 3 comments

Sweat smell on many medications.

4 · 7 comments

Anyone Dealt With Student Loans While Disabled?

3 · 2 comments

Disabled and trying to work

3 · 1 comment

How do you get a doctor to take work limitations seriously for short-term disability?

Welcome to Reddit.

Come for the cats, stay for the empathy.

Become a Redditor
and start exploring.

×

48

49

50

Those whove applied to disability. What's the most ridiculous reason you were declined. (self.disability)

submitted 5 months ago by bananaterracottaaa

120 comments

share

save

hide

report

all 120 comments

sorted by:
best

topnewcontroversialoldrandomq&alive (beta)

Want to add to the discussion?

Post a comment!

Create an account

[–]BatterBlaster151 62 points63 points64 points 5 months ago (5 children)

I was told I was too obese. Judges words not mine, 132 Ibs 5'3"

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–][deleted] 40 points41 points42 points 5 months ago (0 children)

if that's obese i guess im a beached whale.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Amethyst_0917 7 points8 points9 points 5 months ago (0 children)

WHAT!?!

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Royal-Tea-3484 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

hed love me im wayyyyyyyy over that

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 22 points23 points24 points 5 months ago (0 children)

That's terrible. And encouraging an eating disorder

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TheGreatKLTD Lawyer 95 points96 points97 points 5 months ago (16 children)

I had a client who had a widow maker heart attack and survived. Had a bypass which he barely made it through at age 60. His doctor told him he was required to avoid ALL stress, because even small amounts of stress could literally kill him.

Insurance company said that technically, he was still ABLE to do his job. He just risked death by doing so. Thus, he isn't disabled, and no benefits paid. We sued and settled that one very quickly.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]GooGuyy 24 points25 points26 points 5 months ago (15 children)

I would sue them again cause wtf

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TheGreatKLTD Lawyer 16 points17 points18 points 5 months ago* (14 children)

Ha yes welcome to ERISA, the federal law which governs most insurance claims in the US and prevents extra contractual damages. It is the main reason insurance companies are so awful in the US. Imagine the law was set up so that the only punishment for robbing a bank was paying the bank back if caught. That's how ERISA works, and why insurance companies deny people with impunity.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Rrenphoenixx 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (13 children)

I’m waiting for final determination on my employer ERISA case and expecting they deny me AGAIN. But guess what- because of the way they handled the claim, there’s no money for any lawyers to make so I can afford representation. Hoping they approve because I really am not interested in taking them to court. It will be so much work to do alone.

Of course I wrote them letters that stated their previous reviews were arbitrary and capricious. I Hope they took that as a warning, but I doubt it.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TheGreatKLTD Lawyer 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (12 children)

Out of curiosity how did the way they handle the claim impact the amount of money you're owed? One of the few upsides of ERISA is that we can get attorneys fees from the other side. So they don't necessarily need to be a lot of benefits at stake for a lawyer to potentially take the case on contingency.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Rrenphoenixx 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (2 children)

Gonna ask for forgiveness ahead of time because brain fog is crazy over here + some lack of understanding but A portion of my disability was pregnancy and maternity leave, the first six months at least should have been short term, but they counted it as long term, so instead of having 3 years to get disability and apply for SSDI, it has been cut to 2 total. If I were approved for SSDI within the 2 years I’d get benefits until age 59.

Also because they denied disability, my private insurance was dropped and it’s been hard af to continue care without insurance and constant insurance changes which of course means a lot of time has been wasted and no docs can figure me out (pretty sure I have long covid because I was mostly fine until that but it tanked whatever underlying stuff I had going on). But of course that kills my chances for disability because if I can’t get access to care, I can’t get forms, diagnosis, testing to substantiate.

I hope I’m making sense, like I said this is a big category with lots to know, most of which I don’t. But this is my third time dealing with an ERISA case and I can tell you I despise Sedgwick like no other at this point. They have previous records from an old case showing I needed back surgery. Our family is on the verge of bankruptcy. They ruin lives. I would take them to court just to stick it to the man but what if I lose? I can’t afford my own life anymore let alone their lawyer fees 🤦🏻‍♀️ I dream of a class action against them frequently 😄

Sorry for rambling! The whole thing is a hamster wheel. I wouldn’t mind running it so much if it actually equated to ANYTHING but more debt! 😅

The one firm I spoke to was gonna charge 10k which was more than all the benefits I’d likely be getting, unless I could prove they illegally mishandled the claims to cut the time.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TheGreatKLTD Lawyer 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (1 child)

Are you 100% sure you have to get approved for SSDI before the two years is up? I've only seen policies which require you to get SSDI in order for benefits to continue beyond two years, but you don't have to actually get approved within the two years. USC is the only program I know which has this setup and is governed by ERISA. The other is LA county but that isn't ERISA.

It does lead to you having a gap in benefits if you aren't approved before the two years but it should pay eventually - and be included in the benefit calculation.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Rrenphoenixx 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

It’s what the policy said, from what I recall. It’s why the lawyer’s I spoke to wouldn’t take it, they said there’s no money to be made 😞 SCE doesn’t mess around 🤓

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Baylee3968 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (8 children)

Lawyers can take a percentage of what you get back in disability, both from the back pay amount from your monthly amount for several years after, if you win.
In my case, when i consulted an attorney, it was 33% pluses other costs. If we went to court, trial, I would have had to pay that for 84 months which is 7 years.
I couldn't justify that... I simply couldn't afford it.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TheGreatKLTD Lawyer 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (7 children)

33% of past and future is pretty high. That said, if the alternative is not getting any benefits at all, it is usually a better option than not suing.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Baylee3968 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (6 children)

It is high, but in my case, I would have to pay for that, plus my health insurance, dental and vision and id have no money left for living or bills.
It doesnt make sense to me...
Hopefully this 2nd surgery i have this next year will finally work to get me back to working...
Hopefully.....

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TheGreatKLTD Lawyer 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (5 children)

If I'm being totally honest, the logic doesn't make sense to me. If you can't afford to take a 33% discount on your benefits, how can you afford a 100% discount? Isn't taking less better than taking nothing?

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Rrenphoenixx 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (3 children)

When you’re disabled and exhausted from constant fighting with cases and doctors and just trying to function- yes, nothing can feel like a better option. Why fight tooth and nail over a blueberry? The single berry can’t sustain you, it’s not worth the fight to obtain it. The loss of energy/resources just doesn’t make sense. And I think these companies handling these cases, purposely count on getting us folks to that point,where we give up, so they can keep money we desperately need to survive.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

continue this thread

[–]Baylee3968 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I would have money left over to only pay for health insurance, dental insurance and vision insurance, for the most part.
I would not be able to have money left over for any bills.
What point is that?
I am hoping my surgery i need will help me get back to work, that way I can make more than disability and I dont have to pay someone almost $1,000 a month out of my disability.
I dont qualify for SSDI or SSI.
I wont let dome attorney take that much from me for 7 years.... Its simply not worth it.
Im married, so my husband pays for us.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Genredenouement03 27 points28 points29 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was denied because I "didn't have" the condition that I had been repeatedly hospitalized for, that was proven by labs, CT, ERCP, stents, and multiple specialists. You know, chronic pancreatitis caused by vasculitis from lupus. They just flat out said I didn't have it in spite of a mountain of evidence otherwise. My appeal was approved. I actually got a call from the judge's clerk telling me the outcome.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]InverseInvert 24 points25 points26 points 5 months ago (2 children)

This was for PIP in England, the assessor wrote in her report “I am choosing to ignore the evidence” in regards to the fact I was a full time wheelchair user at that moment.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points14 points 5 months ago (1 child)

what on earth is the point of evidence then?? jesus

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]InverseInvert 9 points10 points11 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Exactly what I said in my mandatory reconsideration.
They let me have enhanced mobility but they refuse to accept that I am totally incapable of cooking or creating a meal.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]LordMeme42 48 points49 points50 points 5 months ago* (2 children)

Mine briefly got cancelled because they had to make sure I still had autism.

The temptation to inform them I had not gotten a new damn brain was STRONG.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Rrenphoenixx 4 points5 points6 points 5 months ago (0 children)

There are times humans or agencies do things that make me wonder if this is s real life. Because what else would describe the complete lack of logic?

This is one of those instances.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Anna-Bee-1984 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

LOL. Man I wish I suddenly could no longer have autism.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]BirdsFalling 35 points36 points37 points 5 months ago (0 children)

The told my my spine was all better. I applied for mental reasons.

Also, my spine is not better.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Disastrous-Panda5530 29 points30 points31 points 5 months ago* (9 children)

I actually process disability cases. I mostly do CDRs that are up for review. I also process reconsiderations. And I am reversing so many denials each week to approvals. Me and my coworker are constantly complaining about reasons the previous examiner denied these people.

Sometimes they are denied because of some mistakes made but sometimes it’s quite obvious they cut corners to deny someone. And I have come across quite a few cases that pissed me off so bad because it was evident to me they denied someone because it was easier and less work for them. And what really upsets me is that when I get their claims and they are absolutely unable to work they now have a lawyer. Most of the times at the initial level they don’t have a lawyer. But then they get denied and hire a lawyer when they appeal. And then when they are approved (which they should have been the first time) their lawyer now gets a chunk of their back pay. And 99% if the time the lawyer didn’t even do anything on the case. Not even a phone call or status check the entire time.

But I think it’s not fine or ok that it costs people money because of lazy and awful examiners. I’m always so tempted to email the initial examiners and not only list all the errors I found but to give them a piece of my mind.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 8 points9 points10 points 5 months ago (2 children)

I'm amazed there isn't a system to give the examiners feedback as part of constant improvement

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]TerraformanceReview 15 points16 points17 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Every part of the SS system is designed to approve as few people as possible. It's such a horrible and dehumanizing system. We are losing housing, missing meals, and missing healthcare while waiting for people who are financially comfortable to make decisions about our lives that will never affect them.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Disastrous-Panda5530 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Yeah I’ve put this in the suggestion box multiple times. Because almost every reconsideration claim I get has errors. And even if they were legit mistakes, if they don’t get feedback how can they improve? They will likely continue to make the same mistake.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Amethyst_0917 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (1 child)

This gives me hope that good and fair examiners exist

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Disastrous-Panda5530 7 points8 points9 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Yeah there are some out there. I know me and the coworker who sits next to me feels pretty much the same. And then sadly there are some examiners and even the medical consultants that act like disability payments come out of their paycheck. We have a lot of newer and less experienced examiners and they seem to be the ones who are pretty awful. The agency was so desperate for more examiners they lowered the qualifications for the job and expectations. I’ve noticed people who have been there a while like me are much more compassionate and go above and beyond trying to get people put on.

I’m way underpaid and could make more in the private sector. I do genuinely enjoying helping people where and when I can.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Redditlatley 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I wish there were a million of you! I didn’t think you could do that. If I knew how to give awards, I’d give you one. 🏆🌊

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (2 children)

So similar to what happened to me.  The only thing my lawyer did was collect a portion of my money.

Lawyer literally agreed w the testimony that I could work certain jobs and I had to say excuse me, I cannot do those jobs because of x, y, and z.  For example, he agreed that I could work on ladders and I had to be like, excuse me, I have seizures and pass out, I cannot reasonably work on ladders.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Disastrous-Panda5530 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (1 child)

I personally wouldn’t get a lawyer unless I had to go in front of a judge. At the initial and reconsideration level cases are processed exactly the same with a lawyer, except for one difference. Some lawyers allow direct contact with the claimants. Meaning they can call them and speak to them to ask questions.

Some lawyers don’t so you have to call the lawyer if you have a question or need something. Then the lawyer contacts the claimant and then contacts the examiner with the information they asked for.

There are some law offices that don’t even contact DDS the entire time the claim is being processed other than sending the application.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I only got a lawyer for the hearing. He was not an asset.  And he got maximum pay.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]No_Corner_798 9 points10 points11 points 5 months ago (0 children)

They tried to say i applied for high blood pressure.. o dont have that

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points11 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was denied and told “while you meet the standards of disability you haven’t worked enough to qualify for benefits”

I was applying as a DAC trying to get SSI and Medicaid only.

Jokes on them though because they made my disability start date July 2017 so now that I’m really bad off and applying again my lawyer says they have to use 2017 for my SSI back payment date. Suck it SSA you’ll be paying for that decision—literally

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]MasterZii 21 points22 points23 points 5 months ago (13 children)

When I applied under survivor benefits as a child, I got a 19 page denial from the judge with all kinds of nonsense. One thing that still stands out to me to this very day is "it says here that MasterZii has an IQ of 144, and therefore is too smart to be considered disabled" almost verbatim.

I did that IQ test when I was 12... many many years before applying for SSDI...

I gotta find that packet and frame it because of how ridiculous it was.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Iximaz 18 points19 points20 points 5 months ago (1 child)

Damn, TIL Stephen Hawking is too smart to be disabled by that metric

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]NyxPetalSpike 7 points8 points9 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Difference is Hawking was disabled and working. You can have a disability and still work.

When they idiots throw out the 144 IQ score, and you aren’t so physically incapacitated to work, they figure you are bright enough to figure something out.

My cousin got SSDI. He’s has level II ASD. Struggled, oh my god, he struggled in the work place with a 138 IQ.

The judge broom all his ASD stuff, and awarded him for severe daily migraines.
Said my cousin was bright enough to find gainful employment, but the migraines made it impossible.

Seen people in a power chair and on a portable ventilator get denied SSDI/SSI. Shit’s wild out there.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 7 points8 points9 points 5 months ago (10 children)

I was told this. Was told too smart to be disabled.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (9 children)

The irony being that high intelligence can be disabling.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (8 children)

Are you able to expand on that please

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Crop64 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (7 children)

I don't have research to cite, but I think some are looking at it.... but when you're that much of an outlier, the systems and societal norms are not necessarily designed for you, because the systems and norms are generally designed around, and to accommodate the average.

Then, there are different factors, not IQ alone, that determine success.  Those include the ability to adapt and relate to others, among other things.  When you are an outlier, you may experience difficulty in these and other capacities, for different reasons, too, sometimes because the way you see the world and operate in its context is fundamentally different than that of the average person.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (6 children)

I get it's different, but typically it's an advantage. Why would high intelligence ever be a negative?

The exception is depression.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (5 children)

I'm not talking about people who are a little on the intelligent side. I'm talking about people who test in the superior and superior of superior ranges. Society is not designed for/around them.

I have had the privilege of speaking, on this topic, with multiple who test near and into the 99th percentile (and even higher). There is an incredible gap between the average person and the people who test into the superior range.

Imagine being able to see every inefficiency, etc.  Imagine things being naturally obvious to you,  but painfully difficult for the masses to comprehend, etc.  Also, when the mind is unstimulated, it is harder to stay on task, easier to make mistakes, etc.

Different neurotypes think differently, so imagine constantly having to exist within frameworks that were designed for other neurotypes (average person).

My use of "you" is in general, and not about any specific person.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (4 children)

I don't need to imagine. I still don't see how it disadvantages me

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (3 children)

Not all who share a diagnosis or trait will experience it as disabling and just because you experience things one way does not mean everyone else does.  I trained as a social scientist and have had these conversations with multiple,  related and unrelated people of superior intelligence.

If you truly are in the top 1% and find what I'm saying hard to imagine, then you likely had the appropriate supports (from your family,  community,  etc. among other things) to develop and integrate.  Many people never even have an opportunity to have their skills and talents matched to opportunities (training, vocational, employment, etc.).

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (2 children)

You're making a lot of assumptions to justify you finding things HARDER.

Yes things were difficult for you. But on what basis can you claim they were more difficult than others on the basis of intelligence?

I'm specifically asking for examples when your IQ disadvantaged you, rather than things being difficult, as many people experience difficulties.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

continue this thread

[–]StrykerC13 16 points17 points18 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Apparently running a ttrpg one day a week for between 2 and 8 hours completely arbitrarily based on your functionality is sufficient to maintain "gainful employment" I'm still trying to find this mythical 1 day a week, insanely accommodating on hours job. Severe mental health issues that can cripple ability to even do things I enjoy (running that game) to the point that I have to Force myself Hard to do the 2 hours during the worst episodes.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]celebgil 9 points10 points11 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was originally declined for higher rate daily living for PIP in the UK. Reason given; because I can fold my own glasses, and take the brakes off my manual wheelchair for the person who's pushing me. This apparently means I can do everything else needed to live, including cook a full meal three times a day, go up and down the stairs repeatedly, etc.

We appealed, were denied on mandatory reconsideration because the same assessor just reviewed their own work and surprisingly said they got it right 🙄 Then we said we were going to take it to tribunal, and the DWP folded immediately. I assume because they knew they'd lose on the grounds of 'fucking ridiculous '. So now I have higher rate mobility and daily living.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]eatingganesha 8 points9 points10 points 5 months ago (3 children)

I had a mental evaluation done by one of their doctors. He asked me to describe my depression . I said “I’m sad all the time” because I expected follow up questions. He didn’t ask a single one and concluded the appointment. I was then denied. At that point I’d been diagnosed with treatment resistant major depressive disorder and complex PTSD along with a panic disorder, had been in weekly therapy for 5 years, and had been on a dozen meds (none of which helped).

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]whitneyscreativew 3 points4 points5 points 5 months ago (2 children)

Unfortunately with some doctors you almost have to do their job for them. Now in days I think they are just there because of the paycheck 🙄

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]eatingganesha 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (1 child)

oh for real

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]whitneyscreativew 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Yea mine told me to stop taking my blood pressure medicine because it was giving me headache. I had to advocate to get on my old ones because they worked and no headaches. If it wasn't for me saying anything I could have had a stroke. My pressure was dangerously high.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Mewperz 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (0 children)

that my diabetes was being managed with insulin. the reason i applied was mostly schizophrenia.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]gillybeankiddo 15 points16 points17 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Not me, but they told someone I know that they can go shine shoes. They and their lawyer was surprised and didn't object quick enough.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Longjumping-Peak6359 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (1 child)

The judge basically said he thinks that I forced my doctors into diagnosing me with autism because he worked with young autistic boys before and I didn't strike him as autistic (I am a 20 year old woman) mind you, I was applying due to my POTS and chronic migraines.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Oh, look! Common comorbidities.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]ChapterImaginary455 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (0 children)

It took 2-1/2 years for my SSDI to be approved. I have a dozen complex diagnoses and my doctor said she would never be able to approve me to work again.

The morning of my hearing the judge told his staff to cancel my hearing as he looked at my file and was approving it.

At that point I was a minute from being homeless and the stress was definitely making my medical conditions worse. I was not in a good place.

It turns out that in all those years and denials they had never accessed my medical records. Just flat out denied me based on ???

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]thisishowitalwaysis1 18 points19 points20 points 5 months ago (3 children)

My first judge said that because I could leave comments on reddit, I could type for 6-8 hours at a desk. 🤦🏻‍♀️

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Vivelerock810 16 points17 points18 points 5 months ago (2 children)

How did they know you were on Reddit?

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]thisishowitalwaysis1 5 points6 points7 points 5 months ago (0 children)

When filling out earlier paperwork months before, it asked what I do each day and in addition to saying things like taking care of my cat or resting watching TV, I also said being on reddit. He literally picked out that one word out of my mountains of paperwork and ran with it. Thankfully my second judge wasn't a moron and approved me.

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]MasterZii 8 points9 points10 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I'm curious too. Never had a judge take a look at my socials before. Damn shame, they'd see how fked up and painful everything is

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–][deleted] 15 points16 points17 points 5 months ago (5 children)

Not as ridiculous as the others, but I got denied partly because they scheduled me a specialist exam to prove one of my disabilities, gave me 10 days to call and confirm it or else they would cancel it and any potential evidence from the exam wouldn't be applied to the case, and I forgot to call and confirm it (memory issues are part of at least 3 of my disabilities), they cancelled it, got denied. I'd already done the general medical exam, and that exam apparently proved that I could still do some sort of job, though I'd be interested to hear what since I could barely attend and sit through that appointment, and couldn't do most of the things they asked of me at the appointment.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 11 points12 points13 points 5 months ago (4 children)

If you had attended they'd have told you that attending proved you weren't disabled

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (3 children)

Yep that's my guess. They were probably going to deny me the first time no matter what I did

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (2 children)

Yep. I mean I assume you're all talking about the USA system but it's the same in the UK. Fraud rates for disability benefits in the UK, according to the gov, are 0%, and yet they act as if we are all liers while lying to stop us getting benefits we're entitled to

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (1 child)

Ugh I wish it was better. It's so fucked. And it takes so much time and energy and effort just to get denied. It's pointless stress and exhaustion for already stressed and exhausted people

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Agreed

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Amethyst_0917 6 points7 points8 points 5 months ago (0 children)

This is a typical reason, but baffling none the less. But after doing months of forms descibing how I can move around and function for only a few hours a day, some days a week due to long covid (me/cfs type) . Paperwork described how I only go about 10-15 min away from home and anything more requires significant planning. They scheduled two doctors appointments 30-40 min away in one week with days notice. Like ummm yea Im not able to do that. Called and asked for 6-8 weeks to plan + put them in separate weeks. Nope. So I made one, but sent myself into a crash for it didnt make 2nd. Denied.

Tldr: too sick to play their games so denied.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]PunkAssBitch2000 5 points6 points7 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was capable of playing Minecraft.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]creampuffmakki 3 points4 points5 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Not disability payments but I was declined a carer bc I had a pizza box in my livingroom (they took this to mean I can feed myself perfectly fine despite the fact that pizza box has been there for a month, and was bought by my mother who was acting as a stand in carer at the time despite her own disabilities)

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]corazonsinalma 3 points4 points5 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was told I was too smart to be disabled because I graduated college and attempted grad school 🫠(my seizures/epilepsy and brain damage are literally why I had to leave grad school, I was failing open book tests!)

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Can open a rucksack using the large zip (hand something dangling off it to make it easy to grasp)

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]New_Vegetable_3173 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Can use a mobile phone (cell phone) WITH accessibility aids

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]TerraformanceReview 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

SSA actually acknowledged my disability after I attended an FCE. But then said I can work a modified shift even and I walk unassisted even though I rely on mobility aids for weight bearing and balance. I have also sustained multiple injuries from falls in the last year. I am especially vulnerable in the winter. It's winter. I went to the park with my son to build a snowman and fell in my front yard and it took me out for days.  Multiple jobs have also told me my accommodations were not able to be honored.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Dreadlock_Princess_X 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Long while ago, I challenged the decision on my level of entitlement. It went to court 3 times. The first two times they said they couldn't hear the appeal as they saw me standing up by the car (waiting for my wife to give me my mobility aids).. The second time I was seen talking a few steps arm in arm with my wife to get up a kurb my wheelchair couldn't manage. 3rd hearing, was grilled over and over about "can you walk 20yards?" I kept saying I don't do yards- tell me in metres.. The dude just kept repeating himself. The judge told him to shut up in the end. Ultimately I won the case. But it's disgusting to put disabled people in a court, you feel like a criminal, and they rip into every detail you've given them. It was one of the worst experiences ever. I swear they do it because most people don't have the strength to challenge it. (Obviously some must be justified) your assessment / court case starts the MOMENT you set foot outside your car. Walk in unaided? You lost already. Drove yourself? Uh oh. Sat in the chair without arm rests and managed to get up? Wrong choice. They're sneaky evil bastards. (PIP in UK) xx💖

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Reasonable-Drop7969 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Not enough work credits after the address I sent the appeal to was NOT correct on SSA.gov, and the people expecting my medical reports were in another city. It's disgusting.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]SleepyKoalaBear4812 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was never given a reason. Just under the “current qualifying rules of the state of Oklahoma you do not qualify”.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]OhNoNotAgain1532 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

My 1st letter of denial stated, college educated, intelligent, and young.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]InfluenceSeparate282 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was told at my hearing by the vocational rep as a wheelchair using person with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy that I could work as a security guard. I think we all laughed including the judge and they didn't talk after that and I won. I don't have disability still as I work full time as a social worker but I know eventually I will need the support again before I'm eligible to retire.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]poor_rabbit90 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

ENS has no ICD Code

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]ConsciousJicama2633 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was too disabled to work but not disabled enough too.Be considered disabled.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]v_a_l_w_e_n 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

On my first try, I only got the problems to use mouse and keyboard recognised because of my hands… then told I could still work sewing curtains, in an assembly line or as a gardener. I was speechless. Their occupational therapist was unable to explain it and apologetic but apparently there was nothing she could do. I would have been even funny if my livelihood didn’t depend of it. Luckily I eventually got re-evaluated a couple of years later (after continuous appeals) and got the full disability my medical reports proved. But I would never forget those job suggestions. And the whole ridicule of the system.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Doll49 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I wasn’t given a reason on paper. However, I have heard after speaking to other disabled people that they won’t give it to folks with fibromyalgia and are under 50, such as myself. I have osteoarthritis in my knees which impacts me also.

I gave up applying after being denied twice.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]OfficialFluttershy 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago* (0 children)

I was declined because, and I quote "you own your vehicle"

Now while yes, that is true - I have a fully paid off car I got used for $8,000 back in 2016, but mind you, I bought that car with the total loss value I got from the previous car that I BARELY SURVIVED a near-fatal car crash from which was the onset cause of my spinal column now getting worse and worse and degenerating more with each year, on top of my already diagnosed CPTSD and late-diagnosed autism and schizophrenia.

And I got that car for $8,000 because at least at the time, I was the only person who could try to help provide for my sick and dying parents at the time mom died and dad might as well be by this point he's so far-gone and it makes wanna cry but I'm so numb to all the pain and emotions and sadness and anger - I feel like I could literally get shot hundreds of times over and feel fucking nothing these days...

And that was all the FIRST time I got denied (apparently everyone gets initially denied?) The second time is just because although cooking for myself is intense and complex and difficult and sometimes my body is in so much constant pain that I can hardly stand, sit up or move and have to just lay down and down painkillers hoping the pain stops for five minutes, I still do my best to clean the dishes and sweep the house, and that much seems to mean I'm "totally perfectly healthy and capable of handling this Capitalist dystopia waking nightmare...

I miss when life made sense and was fun... I miss when my body wasn't half-fucked... Fuck the U.S. and Trump and ICE bro aaaaaaaaaaaaaa

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Majestic-Number7900 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was denied because I wasnt taking enough credits in college to qualify. My disability makes it impossible to do more than two classes at once and even then thats a major struggle. I belive they told me that if I wasnt able to attend any classes then I would have qualified too. So fuck me for doing everything I can to get an education I guess 🙃

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]hawtwh33ls 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (1 child)

It wasn’t me, but my partner with me as witness. In fact, I think we still have the statement.

You were denied benefits for the following reasons:

You stated you did not want benefits. 🤯

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]bananaterracottaaa[S] 2 points3 points4 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Im not even kidding. I got the same thing. why WHY WOULD I WASTE MY TIME APPLYI G IF I DIDNT WANT THEM

permalink

embed

save

parent

report

reply

[–]Larvakite 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was denied because my doctors did not send documentation. My doctors did, in fact, send it. I can only assume they didn't want to read the mountains of paperwork that was included, proving that I am disabled :/

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]frogteethzzz 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

They simply told me they thought I could adjust to work. And then their paperwork was missing half of the conditions I told them about or had improper ones. Instead of endometriosis they had "uterus cyst." NOT the same thing.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Royal-Tea-3484 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

The UK Atos has changed its name again, but I can't remember what it is now. They lied on my report, saying I enjoyed going shopping with friends, walked my dog, and scratched myself for attention. I have spinal stenosis, diagnosed with an X-ray, and I can’t walk. I do have a dog—well, it's my dad's dog, which lives in the same house. I don't have friends; I'm housebound. I used to self-harm and drink, but I've been sober for four years now. It took me three years to get my case to a tribunal. The judge awarded me full back payment and dismissed the previous decision after reviewing my X-ray and arms; he was disgusted by the previous assessments. I’m still waiting for the new 80-page form to arrive so I can go through it all again. I don't think I can appeal the decision.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]mouthfullofsnakes 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was denied because [some conditions] don’t meet the criteria for disability, while [main conditions] were not even mentioned. I’m in the process of appeal

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]skekzok 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Because I have a dog and that I can still crochet. The dog is a chihuahua who has 0 interest in going on walks and I cannot craft or even game like I used to.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Voirdearellie 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I am in the U.K., but literally showed up with a service dog, personal helper and a freaking wheelchair and they gave me 0 on all parts. I was never told why. I appealed and am on highest rate everything lol

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]gemini_time 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Not me, but a friend who is terminally ill was denied by insurance to pay for a wheelchair, because it didn't affect his whole body. He has a muscle degenerative disorder.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]GooGuyy 1 point2 points3 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I’m fortunate enough to not have gotten declined,

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Mental-Repeat-8629 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Well when I finally GOT approved I found out that my previous reviewers didn’t consider my current symptoms in their reviews.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]bendybiznatch 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Because I could use my arms and legs.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]newblognewme 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I was denied the first time because they claimed just because I was paralyzed didn’t mean I couldn’t work a desk job bc you don’t need legs to do that lol.

I won at reconsideration, I think because I was sent forms asking about how the pain and paralysis affected me. Idk they didn’t ask the first time lol

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]BeginningMaybe4195 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

A common reason for denial, but I still think it's ridiculous. I got denied for SDDI because I didn't have enough work history....but I'm too disabled to be able to get enough of a work history.

Granted I'm partial to blame because I didn't apply for disability till years after I became too disabled to work because I was still in too much denial that I needed the assistance. If I had applied and fought for my diagnosis as soon as it happened, then I would of had enough work credits to be approved.

I did get approved for SSI though. But it's not enough to live off of.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]DingDonFiFI 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Because I could fold laundry

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]semperquietus 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I should visit a therapist off hours, if I have mental problems.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Iota_factotum 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

They stated that the ruling for my disease didn’t require them to use a provided objective test of my disability level as evidence of my functional limitations, only as evidence of my diagnosis. Then they said I didn’t have any objective evidence of my functional limitations and found me not disabled. I had to request my file to find this bit of ridiculousness.

Luckily the judge saw through that bullshit and heavily quoted said test in his positive ruling.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]Crop64 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

For not having documentation of something.  Then when I reviewed the information, they absolutely had it.

Also, they sent me for a medical evaluation.  Their doctor said I was disabled and they still denied me.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]jswim77 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I have an analux or disability but I'm not disabled enough. Yes, I can still work but I don't make enough money to necessarily live on my own. That's why I still live with my parents.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]herbal__heckery 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

Not me, but a friend was denied because three years prior she went on a 2 or 3 day backpacking trip. Three years ago she wasn’t partially paralyzed, diabetic, or have multiple disk herniations… but apparently that didn’t matter 🤩

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]basic_bitch- 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I get abdominal migraines which vary in severity and come on unpredictably. I get all the same symptoms of a head migraine plus severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes I'd bed ridden for upwards of a week. After she asked me a bunch of questions, the judge said "You could work at a chicken processing plant!"

Uh, what? But the actual reason she disqualified me? I admitted to sometimes smoking marijuana that my boyfriend at the time bought. I lived in a state where it was legal and I had a medical marijuana card.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]CapGirl80 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I almost lost my case because my lawyer decided to get into a pissing match with the "expert" that was hired to deny me. I had to yell over them to then ask the judge a couple questions, which he then asked the expert to answer. Those questions about MY health issues, were what saved me.

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

[–]karigan_g 0 points1 point2 points 5 months ago (0 children)

I kept getting sicker

permalink

embed

save

report

reply

about

blog

about

advertising

careers

help

site rules

Reddit help center

reddiquette

mod guidelines

contact us

apps & tools

Reddit for iPhone

Reddit for Android

mobile website

<3

reddit premium

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. © 2026 reddit inc. All rights reserved.

REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc.

π Rendered by PID 96 on reddit-service-r2-loggedout-7768c89db9-ptbjt at 2026-06-02 12:56:10.630387+00:00 running 9e1a20d country code: SE.

Reddit uses cookies and similar technologies to:

Keep the website operational and running properly

Prevent fraud and abuse

Monitor site usage and performance metrics

Reddit only uses essential cookies on old.reddit.com

Continue