Shannon was homeless for three years. That began to change when, in her words, “I woke up one day and thought – no one is going to change things for me.” She’s now a part-time student at Madison College and the single-parent of a 2-year-old child with a disability. She wants to be a nurse to premature babies in neonatal …
Long Waits and Long Odds: Social Security Disability Benefits Challenges
In this story on NPR (National Public Radio), Stephanie Hashmi shares her story of applying for social security disability benefits. Hashmi was diagnosed with systemic lupus, a medical condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. She’s had surgery and other treatments. Now, at age 41, Hashmi is often bedridden. Her health caused her to …
Meet John: Applying for Benefits Story
He lived with his mother in a back room of her house until she died in 2008. After her death, he became homeless and has mostly lived in his car. At times he has stayed at a community emergency shelter, but stays are limited to 60 days per year. He has been to jail a few times. John has no …