EXography: Many disability recipients admit they could work

Recipients of federal disability checks often admit that they are capable of working but cannot or will not find a job, that those closest to them tell them they should be working, and that working to get off the disability rolls is not among their goals.

More baffling, most have never received significant medical treatment and not seen a doctor about their condition in the last year, even though medical problems are the official reason they don't work. Those who acknowledge they're on disability because they can't find a job say they make little effort to find one, according to a Washington Examiner analysis of federal survey results.

This whole disability scam thing really pisses me off! I know there are people who really need it - Like my cousin. But it took him the better part of 2 years and multiple appeals using lawyers to get it... He's about 54, and in his twenties began presenting paranoid schizophrenia. At the time he was working for a major financial company. However, over the years as his illness progressed, he was unable to keep jobs, in fact he was fired from his last job as a grocery sacker. He simply can't interact with the public or hold much of a conversation. Even mental health agencies haven't been able to place him in a volunteer job! But no, he wasn't "disabled!"

People have also asked me why I don't go on disability... I'm 52 with DVTs, PEs, and Crohns disease which has gotten worse and worse over the years. I've had 2 major surgeries since 2010, and next month I'm hoping a total collectomy (complete removal of the colon and rectum) will give me some relief. I'll be off of work for about 2 months. But I can't imagine not going to work - though some days, like yesterday, I really did NOT want to leave the apartment, or even get out of bed.

But my work is important to who and what I am. I'm so thankful I have an employer who has been willing to hold my job for me (3 months out the first time, 2 months the second, and coming up, another 2 months).

There are people who NEED help, and these damned parasites who are getting it like this are stealing not just from us (the taxpayers) but they're going to crash the system for those who really need it!

Mark

My brother is on SSDI and works at WalMart, making sure he doesn’t put in too many hours and lose any of his SSDI. Claims back and shoulder injuries, but can change a motor and transmission in his driveway during a NY Winter. His last full-time job was in carpet installation and he can’t carry the heavy rolls any more....

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