Dear Friends,
When I was 40 years old I was driving to work. I was in the left turn lane and it was safe for me to proceed. A car the way behind the car that was heading in my direction obviously had an inpatient driver behind him. So he proceeded to pass the car in front him in the right turn only lane. So as I was making my left turn he hit me head on because he passed illegally. I badly injured. I could not work for 14 years and then only part time. Most people including myself at the time didn’t know that the auto insurance company only has to pay lost wages for three years after an accident. If a person is still unable to work after the 3 year they have to apply for SSDI. Most people know that Social Security takes forever to make a decision on a persons claim of disability. I had a good position. At the time of the accident I had a 401k, stock options from two companies I worked for, mutual funds and savings. Well because of the the time it took to get approved for SSDI all of the money I had put away had to be used to keep a roof over my young son and my head. That’s the background. I have never smoked or been exposed to second hand smoke for long periods. In 2015 I started have severe asthma attacks. I was told about 5 months ago I was diagnosed with asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome. I was working part time because my social security check left me with a $1,200.00 shortfall on my financial responsibilities. I don’t have any credit cards or loans. I’m on waitlists for subsidized housing. I’ve reached out to so many agencies to try to get help. Even though my social security check is under $2,000.00 a month I’m told I make too much money to qualify. I am astonished!!!!! My Medicare, BCBS that covers the 20% Medicare doesn’t over plus my prescription insurance total $521.00. I do not have vision, hearing or dental coverage. I’m trying to find a part time job that will accommodate my oxygen that I have to wear 24 seven and all the other symptoms of COPD. In the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions tips success with agencies in finding financial help to keep a roof over their head? In a million years at 69 years old did I think I would be in this position. I’ve gotten so depressed I’ve contemplated the unthinkable. I want to thank those of you in advance for any advice or solutions they may have. I have started seeing a therapist and psychiatrist for the mental aspect of this again, thank you in advance. Kim H