American needing information on Social Services

Post Reply New Topic

I want this to come off more as a question than a complaint, but lately the AS-fatigue and aimlessness has gotten so bad that while I will soon be out of college and (on paper) quite qualified to work, I have little doubt that meaningful employment at this point in time would be an unmitigated disaster for me personally and professionally. My once clock-setting punctuality has become the exact opposite, it takes me considerable time to do even the smallest things, and my sense of judgment has waned to the point that I will have some difficulty working independently to meet unspecified expectations.

I by no means want to just walk out on employment altogether, but I feel deep down that I just need some time to compose myself by doing absolutely nothing. I really do value others' opinions, and if you've been in this situation before and think I'm going down the wrong road, then by all means voice that. But I know many people on this board have taken advantage of US social programs to get them through some rough patches, and as best as I can reason, that's the best thing I can do right now.

My AS is undiagnosed and known only to a few people who figured it out themselves, usually after hearing about it in the news. Because I've worked myself to the point of immune system depression via exhaustion, I've carved out an impressive resume by this point, so I don't know if that will work against me when essentially arguing for my unemployment. And I guess the final consideration is that I have very very little money left after my education, no insurance, and only a mid to short-term place to stay free of rent in upcoming weeks.

So I guess my questions for anyone who knows this system:

* Where do I start? Who do I talk to?
* How does the process work, and what steps do I have to take? Will it cost me anything personally?
* How long does it take to process these things? Should I expect some passage of time where I'll be unsupported?
* Are there any hidden negatives to this route?

These are just a few of my questions that come to mind, but I'm just hoping people can speak their minds and tell me things they think I should know. I'm sure there is information out there on the internet somewhere, but I am so tired and fatigued right now that this board-post is the only thing I have energy left to do before going to bed.

I always appreciate peoples' help, and thank you very much for everything,

Ben

heres my story. unfortunalty i had to hit rock bottom and be "hospitlaized" a few times to get into the system. i was also homeless for awile. it seems like the only way you can get help is if your in dires need. once i was in i relised the system sucked, they put me on anti psycotic meds and wich i had a terrible allergic reaction to. then after that stunt i was refrerd to VR. i did that for about a year and got almost nowhere, im throughly conviced nobody there wanted to truely help me. the only kinds of services you can get here are through VR wich i think you have to be a client of theres to recive councelling or whatnot and i dont exactly remember but its always group councelling they offer you. NEVER individual, wich doesnt make any sence because i am a private person and dont really want 10 other people to know my friggin problems. and it just wasnt at VR that offered only group counceling, i went to the "community services center" here its called the guidance center, and they offerd me the same thing. i finally relised that they do not do individual counceling because most of there clients are on the states health program, called medicaid. so there basically getting it for free.

anyways i supose you need a diagnosis first, then go from there things should fall into place after that. just ask

If you're talking about SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you have to apply for benefits at a Social Security office. In order to be awarded benefits, you basically have to have a doctor state that you can't do any type of work at all. The benefit amount is small, particularly if you're young and haven't paid much into the system. There may be state and local programs available to you so you should check into these.

Also, there are lawyers that can help you with SSI benefits and you should consult with one to get an opinion regarding your situation.

i see this comercial all the time for social security lawyers, thankfully i never had to use one

http://www.binderandbinder.com/

My advice to you at your age is not to seek governmental support or aid. Your life is worth more than that. If you start accepting handouts now, you'll be on an endless slippery slope to a miserable unproductive life. I don't care about your education or experience. You'd be better off working at Mcdonalds the rest of your life, even if you didn't get along with anybody, then to be unemployed. If you really want to feel like s**t and worthless, then accept unemployment for an extended period of time.
Basically, what I am saying is, whatever it takes fight for your place on Earth. I don't care if you get fired from a hundred jobs, don't give up, not now.
Even if you get married later on with a woman who can support you, don't go unemployed. Take it from my experience, NOT DOING ANYTHING for us aspies begets more NOT DOING ANYTHING. It is addictive! My Dad has been unemployed for 12 years while my mom works everyday as a bank teller. He has Aspergers. He is a misery

My advice to cope is to try and do the following.
1. Study and go on a dairy free and gluten free diet. For a lot of us, the aspie symptoms start to go away.
2. Meditate everyday. I would suggest reading the Silva Method by Jose Silva. This will help you focus.
3. Set up a routine. Wake up the same time every morning. 5am for me.
4. Set goals. Read the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Set a major purpose in your life. Write out a plan to acquire it and work hard towards it.

i dont think thats true if you get disability your life is miserable and unproductive. im miserable because of my home situation, not because i get disability. believe me i was alot more miserable trying to keep a job than not having one. since when is a persons value determined on if they have a job or not?

First of all, thanks for everyone's input. I've got a hell of a lot of life changes looming over my head here, and every little thing helps.

Sounds like one turning to US government support should not expect much in quality or quantity of assistance. Am I getting the right picture, in that only the completely and truly incapacitated are eligible, and even then they receive pretty marginal care from professionals with low standards to begin with? Is that more or less the whole picture, or do other places have higher quality services (California being where I'm from/inquiring).

And CentralFLM, what you've said makes a good deal of sense. I've tried much of your advice, from meditation to routine maintenance, and when that failed me I just halted all work on my projects completely. But a few months into that, and I can't say I feel all that much better, then again that's probably much influenced by "procrastinator's guilt". I really do take what you said into consideration, but I just want to look at all sides of what people are saying and come to my own conclusions....a habit I've gotten out of in recent years, and I need to reacquire.

Thanks again,

Ben