Question

I started having memories from dissociative parts of myself at a time of high stress, about a year and a half ago, somewhat longer. Before this time i had alway's worked, however i have not felt stable even to work after the memories started coming, and realizing that i am multiple. Currently i am in Mexico, but i need to fly out by Dec 5th. I am living off of my retirement, which is enough for here. But not to live in the states.
I have never been hospitalized, nor have i ever had any help from the government. However, i am wondering how i can get assistance. Have any of you found help from a theripist that really believes you? And how do you receive disability? Do you have to be hospitalized, and if yes, how many times? Thank you. I would like to return back to the states. Thanks

I am not an expert, but I believe that you need to first choose what state you are going to be living in. Next, I might find a mission or somewhere to stay that might be able to house you for a couple weeks/month while you apply for disability and perhaps state aid. When you speak to the Dept of Health and Human Services, you should tell them that you need help to fill out the paperwork if that sort of thing feels to be too stressful.

Disability doesn't have to be about DID; some people are on it for other things...but it does have to be 'proven'. When you talk to DHHS or the SSI office, you can ask for a referral. If the state will help with the cost or allow you to have medicaid, then you may need to go where they refer you which may not be someone who specializes in it...are you living off your retirement because you are retired or do you mean you cashed out your 401K? if you are over a certain age, you should be able to get help with medical/counselling costs.

There are hospitals that are familiar and specialize in these cases..but you really need to know what state you are able to get into. I don't think they are necessary for disability or that you need to be hospitalized to prove that you are having a hard time holding a job...if you fear for your safety or the safety of others - then yes, please seek help... But start with health and human services. Hope that helps! Good luck to you!!

Thank you for your reply. I am living on my retirement. However until i started having the flashbacks, i was also working to supplement my income. After the flashbacks, i have not been able to work. I appreciate the information. I have been in a dilema of sorts because i don't make enough on retirement to live in the states. However i have been thinking about it, and i just don't feel comfortable lying that i am a danger to myself or others to get financial help. Even though help would be nice, and is needed. Thanks again.

Disability is a tough process to go through. Most people don't get approved until their second time, but fortunately most of the time they'll pay you the back months of what you didn't earn during the time you were in the application process if you document well. Like Hope said, settle on a state and see if there's a community center in or near where you settle. Oftentimes they can recommend lower priced Ts or they might have Ts working for them that are on a sliding scale. They also might be able to help you find a lawyer who would work pro bono to help you.

There are 2 types of "social security" that people refer to as "disability".

One is SSDI. To qualify, you must show a history of paying taxes to the USA, plus prove the disability will keep you from work for at least a year. Their site is www.ssa.gov

The other source of disability income is called S.S.I. Here is a quote from the website:
"The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits." This program does not require that the recipient have a history of work that paid tax.

There are information sheets in English and Spanish. They have online tools to help you figure out if you would qualify (you can try the scenario that will fit your situation). You can look at it here: http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Their pamphlet explains which immigration status you could have and be eligible. You can view that here: http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm

Thanks to All of you for your information. I really appreciate it.

I have been researching hospitals. I was hoping to get some suggestions. I was looking at WIIT @ Hollywood Paviloin near Fort Lauderdale Florida. I hate the thought of going back to Florida, but they have airport pickup, and after inpatient they will help find a place for you to stay so you can go to out patient, which they have pick up for. It also seems like they are very aware of DID, and could be helpful. I would really appreciate some feedback. Thanks