Navigating complicated disability systems

Dec. 30--A significant number of people in recovery from addiction and mental health issues must also contend with a disability system that's overly complicated to negotiate.

"It's a tricky process," said Krista Kramer, who specializes in independent living issues at the Moscow office of Disability Action Center NW.

For some, "applying for disability may be the only option to survive," she said. "But that's what it's there for."

Disability is described as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity because of at least one physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

Medical evaluation to determine if someone is disabled is required.

Mental illnesses and substance disorders can have a big impact on somebody's ability to work. It can also limit their ability to get treatment for those conditions and obtain a medical determination as disabled.

The result can be a "black hole where someone is not able to get treatment or even a diagnosis," she said.

Having to deal with some of these problems won't necessarily result in being declared disabled but it doesn't mean these benefits are out of reach.

Kramer will deliver two presentations in January about disability.

One -- 2-3 p.m. Jan. 7 -- will be about understanding the Social Security system. It will explain "the differences between the programs," she said.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both federal programs. SSDI benefits are for those who paid into the Social Security system. SSI is for those with limited resources who have become disabled.

There are also two types of medical benefits: Medicare, the federal insurance program for seniors and younger people with disabilities. Medicaid is a federal and state health care program for those with very limited income. The two programs are similar but each has different eligibility requirements, she said.

The second program -- 1-2 p.m. on Jan. 27 -- will discuss working while on Social Security. Kramer said there are ways for many people to work while receiving this benefit and will explain what is and isn't allowed.

To reserve space for these presentations, call the Latah Recovery Center at (208) 883-1045.

Terri Harber can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to tharber@dnews.com.

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