The 13th Apostol

Mer-boy's Social Security Case Closed With No Explanation

As of this morning I became aware, my son's disability was terminated.
No letters, nothing informing me this would take effect April 1st.

However, OKDHS knew in advance last month his case was being closed. (they've now raised his food stamps to nearly $300 a month)

Can you say "Harassment"?

You might think I'm ignorant for writing the truth when the way I'm able to keep my child out of state-sanctioned day care, provide adequate schooling, full parenting, extracurricular activities, shelter, etc., lies in the hands of (perhaps) individuals involved in less than stellar performance.

If we don't come together as communities and hold civil servants, social services, etc, accountable for their actions...nothing is going to change.

Nothing.

Does anyone know who the President of the United States is today?
Is anyone aware we all became sick and tired of being bullied by a tyrant?

So we stand up...and if they knock us down, so to speak, we stand back up.

My life is an open and clean slate with nothing to hide. Anyone who knows me knows everything I do is for the care and advancement of my son.

It's unacceptable to terminate a child's disability without notice.
Not without reason, suspect, failure to comply with Federal regulations, and by Social Security's violating of Federal guidelines thus take away from a child's quality of life...

...and no, I'm not going to be quiet now.

OKDHS Performance Audit February 2009

OKDHS Performance Audit by Hornby Zeller Assoc. Inc

Download OklahomaDHSPerformanceAudit

My Day at The State Capital

Follow-up:

I am diligent about reapplication procedures due to the nature of Mer-boy's medical condition.

This is the second time this worker has done this, and the second time I've contacted the people we placed in office to oversee these individuals.
The last time she was called on the carpet, the worker claimed she sent the re-ap to our old address (but she used the right address to sent the "Notices of closure" to)

She refuses to return phone calls, speaks poorly to me when she does, cut Mer's Respite Care in December (therapeutic after school/summer programs to strengthen his social interaction with peers) We have not used it in many months, Respite Care is open ended, Like fee-for-service with PCP's. If I am not mistaken this worker works FOR my son and I as a human services specialist.

My meeting went well at The Capital, my request was clear and precise:

"I requested the worker be removed from my sons case and replaced by someone else, preferably an SSDI Kids worker who's trained in dealing with special needs children.

I requested a review of my case by their Liaison, because at the time my son had no medical coverage.
I did point out how I felt it ludicrous I was expected to nourish my sons physical and psychological needs by feeding him "Filler Foods", aka, highly processed, but inexpensive foods the Food Stamp program pushes by limiting financial assistance, allowing candy, junk food, anything but alcohol to be purchased on an "Access card". I shared I was on a committee trying to get more nutritious foods in schools.
That it's documented by multiple nutrition specialists, mental health care workers, et al, poor nutrition is one of the biggest culprits of behavior problems with so many children living below the poverty level...and lack of participation by the parents of those children.
 
By 1:30PM, I received a follow-up call, letting me know the information had been passed on to the Liaison and to expect contact from her sometime before 5:00 yesterday.

I just now ended an hour long phone conversation with the Liaison, who informed me my son's case # shows I'm making over $2,000 a week for a grand total of $120,432 a year.
Riiiiiiiiiiiight.
She will find the glitch in "Hal", forward my information to her District Supervisor and let me know as soon as possible.
For now...
Mer's medical coverage has been reactivated.
Respite Care also has been reactivated.
Coincidentally, this Liaison's District Supervisor's office is located in the Juvenile Justice Building.

Can you imagine trying to feed your child heart healthy food on $56.00 a month? They figure if you're still alive at the end of the month, they've allotted too much in Food Stamp benefits.

(That's why I drive a shiny new car ya know?...because I feed Mer-boy crap so we can listen to the "The Jonas Brothers" on the CD player while cruisin' in a sweet ride... (No offense if you do, I just choose to make different investments with my $102,432.00 a year. (insert eye rolling here)

This challenge, to educate the ones unaware, and convince the ones who simply don't care...is like an evil and corroding thread, touching every aspect of our community.

The system is broken and only we can fix it.