Simply Unbelievable | Arthritis Information

I've been working really hard on my reply to Senator McCain. In pulling together all my information, letters, etc and doing additional research, I found out something incredible.

General Assistance, the only financial assistance that Arizona gives outside of Food Stamps or Medical, with the large sum of 4 if you get it, doesn't know their own requirements.

1. I was not informed of the rules during my applicant. I was given a copy of a phone number.

2. They are supposed to make a determination in 60 days, not 120 days.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a qualifying condition and there's nothing that says you have to fill it out on their form. I already provided sufficient proof. Also, Neurological conditions are also covered. Got that too.

Big One is this. They said that I could only possess 00 in total assets including my house. However, they have to exclude ,000 equity in your home.

Geez, don't they know their own rules.

Deanna39083.8389583333

No freakin wonder you have been having so many problems. All the people that work there have cranial-rectal syndrome. This is our lovely government at work for us. I hope that you are going to put that info in your letter to the Senator. Now, the question is....can you get back support? You certainly deserve it since they really screwed up big time.

Wow Deanna. That's um..........well that's pretty f@%#ed up. To say the least. But at least now you know?

And knowing is half the battle! GI JOE!

Sorry. It's 1am. But I love ya, and I'm glad you at least got some decent information!!!
my experience with Government....nothing is out front unless you break a law. Catch 22..."what are the laws? Don't know, but your guilty".Yup, it's universal. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. What a dilemma on top of unqualified people! My goodness, this sounds like the White House! Deanna, I hope you have the names of the people who gave you the incorrect information. This should be documented and they should be reported to their superiors. Their ignorance is downright criminal, when you think of how many people who need help and are not getting it; people who absolutely qualify for assistance. Perhaps you need to seek the assistance of an attorney with the cahunas to make this a public issue and who can take over the fight for you. Hillhoney39084.3402893519

Hillhoney, you might be right. But would this be a disability lawyer or some other kind?

More info for you. General Assistance is Arizona's version of SSI. In the SS booklet for SSI, it states the following:

According to the SSI requirements, “the home you live in and the land it’s on do not count” and “your car usually does not count.”

When I fax over the additional information that they are requiring from me, I am going to put these requirements in a cover letter. I think I should copy that to someone. Just not sure who yet. It will need to be someone in the Department of Health Services.

I've already added it in my comments to the senator.

The guy at General Assistance said that they have over 11,000 applicants and that is why mistakes are being made. But don't they have any clue to the damage is does to human beings that desperately need this support. But these are supervisors that are giving me the wrong requirements.

OMG what a bunch of beaurcratic bs!!!!

Of course it is not clearly specified on the SS website and I can't call anybody today because it is a national day of mourning.

But in the meantime, does anybody know?

Deanna, in the State of Connecticut the first person I would approach with a situation such as this is our Attorney General. He is a very public figure, (probably with future political aspirations), that likes to take on the utility companies, the oil companies, and many consumer affairs issues. He aggressively goes after these cases and it is well covered by the media. I'm sure you know of our Senator Joseph Lieberman - that is how he made a name for himself initially in Connecticut also - as Attorney General he was seen as a champion of the residents of Connecticut and he used it as a platform to make the jump to Senator.

That is really the type of individual you should be looking for. Do you know much about your Attorney General? If you can present this as the State of Arizona's flack of compliance with their own laws, and get his or her ear, you may at least start the ball rolling. If you get no where with that, look for an agressive young state senator or representative (staying on the state level) that you might get to take this on.

That is the same type of attorney I would seek. Someone who is in the news a lot, that likes media attention and might be willing to do this pro bono, just for the name he could make for himself. Perhaps a class action suit by residents of the state who were wrongfully denied coverage?

I'm so sorry you have to do this, and I truly wish I were there and able to help you more. Being a pain-in-the butt thorn in their side may be what is needed, and you need someone who is physically up to the battle to help you. Is there anyone you can ask for help?
Hillhoney39084.4136226852

The state Attorney General is a really good idea although I have to admit I don't know who the current one is. I haven't being staying up on politics because I am so absorbed with my battle.

But that would be a good choice and a good reason because if this is happening to me, then it is obviously how they are handling many if not all cases. I would like to find someone to give them a good kick in the butt. I'll have to look up who that is.

Great idea!

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to help me with any of these things. I cannot even seem to get a Case Manager from any organizations (except one real nice lady from the County) to help me handle any of my needs medically or in getting disability.

Talked with my former employer today. They are working on my LTD and they said that they were having major difficulties with these people as well.

I finally did see something on my SS status on the SS web site. It simply states that it's under medical review. That's a lot of help. Tomorrow, I'm calling them and seeing what's up.

Deanna, I strongly believe that misleading information is giving to people intensionaly. It happens way to often to be a mistake or incompetence. I know that sounds like a criminal thing to do but then again.....Oh well, I'm a skeptic. GOOD LUCK to you!!!! Hi Fiona, I' m doing fine and I didn't have my surgery yet but it's coming soon although I still don't wont it. I lost you for while but somebody posted your URL here. I regestered and I like new side very much. I'm very happy for Marisa. I'll see you soon on forum

Fiona, I've already written my state senator and he sent a letter back. I am preparing my full response to that now. It's a bit in depth. But there are a lot of problems and it is taking me some time especially when I can only work on it in small bits of time. My shoulder is completely swelled up again with the attempt.

But I also want to try and bring out the legal issue because I fear that a lot of people are being misled and they are hurting.