Why Do People Automatically Assume Those On Disability Are Just Lazy?

Question

I have been looking through some of the comments about people asking disability questions. It seems like some take a hostle attitude like "I'm supporting your lazy azz" or something just as crass. I can tell from experience, yes there are the phoneys out there, but there is just as many or more that have paid into the system for years, supporting others. Then, by no fault of their own they get disabled. If a person has worked a substantial part of their life. Loosing a career is and going on SSDI is not a gain. To go from idependence to dependence is a real proverbial kick in the teeth. So does anyone feel differently?

Answer 1

sadly many are just playing the system for a free ride which make the ones who genuinely need disability wait longer and also get lumped into the "lazy" category...especially ones with alleged back issues,mental health issues..where as a non physical job can be arranged for SOME people w/physical problems..and SOME mental health patients can contribute to society if they get proper meds and take them as prescribed.

Answer 2

I agree with you.

And know the feeling of ridicule all to well too. Thankfully not lately.

As you said "through no fault of their own", they become incapacitated. Just because we can not actually see a physical disability, does not mean, someone does not have a disability, e.g learning difficulty or mental health condition or even a very bad back/neck injury.

Sadly these people with these types of conditions are not always able to work full time, but are quite able to work part time, either with support/supervision or with out. Most of the time they just need some one to give them a break, and treat them fairly.

And ridiculing someone for being on a disability payment does not help them, it lowers their self esteem and self worth. I know people who have mental health condition, who are very hard workers, usually very reliable and honest.

But sadly it seams that some people think, that they will never get sick, ill or injured, there for never needing any government assistance, in a ideal world where there is no for sickness, unemployment or jails etc, there would be no need for disability or other such Government payments. But I am equally frustrated by those who do rip the system off, that is there to support those who genuinely need it.

Good health is not a given, and should never be taken for granted. Like wise people should not think they will never need Government support, especially in these very unstable times, where no one knows if their job is permanent or a sure thing.

Good luck and Merry Christmas, and may the New Year be Healthy and Happy one.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, in over 20 years in the healthcare field I've seen more people who possibly could lead a productive life but are not willing to make the lifestyle changes(e.g. lose weight,physical therapy,control diabetes or hypertension) than those who honestly have made every effort and just aren't capable. I also have extensive experience with people (from contacts in construction mostly) who are as fit as you or I,working physically laborious jobs for cash under the table while collecting a disability check. Then there are the folks I've worked with as patients who were engaging in high risk activities and got hurt-driving drunk, driving without a seat belt, speeding or doing high risk sports. It's all good and well to say you have a right to take risks, but not if you aren't prepared to deal with possible consequences.
That said ( and these folks do make it hard on the legitimately disabled), I would never make the automatic assumption that someone on disability is in any of the above categories-I've known plenty of individuals who continued working despite incredible challenges and finally were just unable to continue-I salute these courageous people.

Answer 4

Here in the US, we have a very unfair and corrupt justice system. I have two different takes on this issue. While I think some people deserve to be on disibility since they are not able to work, I still think that some people are just plain lazy. Some people are on disibility even though they are able to find another job; their injuries or thier situation is minute, yet they still take the disibility checks monthly. For them, they don't have that conscience or self-respect in themselves to think that they are becoming dependent, they take as an easy way out, a luxury almost. But for those that have seriously been disabled, the checks are what keeps them alive, to help them out on thier life's necessities. I'm pretty sure going from having a career to doing nothing at all is a real kick in the ***.
Like I said, our system here is very injust and unfair.

Answer 5

I totally agree with you. I'm not yet on SSDI because of their games (the first try they said I could do ONE job: Umbrella tipping! <--- putting tips on umbrellas). If they had actually READ my medical records, they would have seen that I wasn't able to do that either.

People don't SEE pain, so they judge others. Some people that you are referring to as being hostile, are plain ignorant. They don't know the disabled persons diagnosis, and if the did, they wouldn't understand it. They don't SEE pain, and they have never been disabled themselves, or they would understand and care.

Maybe they think they are invincible and nothing will ever happen to them, and so they are better than "us" in a way. It's funny how karma works though. Just hold your head up and remember how ignorant they are, and how little they know about the truth. Try not to let it bother you (if you are disabled and collecting SSDI).

I'd write more, but this is a touchy subject for me as well as it seems for you, except I sometimes tend to rant and rave and carry on.

Thank you for your question. More people need to remember how quickly it can happen, and disease, injuries, disability etc. has no race or religion: it can happen to ANYONE in a split second.

Answer 6

I agree with you.

Life is hard enough with out people making it worse, for someone who has a disability, especially for someone that does not have a physical disability that you can see.

We all get sick or are hurt or suffer from depression at some stage, of our life that impacts on our health and well being, some are lucky enough to bounce back, others are not so fortunate. It also depends on the support net works we have, such as family, friends and colleagues, seriously it makes a huge difference to someones over all well being.

Answer 7

I have been on SSDI since 2005 and am now 66 years old .I had to go to court to prove my case with a $6.000 Lawer because I could not longer perform Any of the Jobs that I used to such a working with both my arms and walking. I would work if I could but after many operation too deal with my problims . I tried to get a Job at theV.A Hosp. but I could not Pass the phy. exam.

Answer 8

I think we should eliminate all social welfare entirely. I don't want to pay for anyone else's disability or medical problems whether it is legitamite or not.

And, what do I think the people who can't work should do. Rely on their own savings that they were smart enough to put aside when they were working. Make PARENTS responsible for children. I put aside almost 40% of my income each month, just in case. And, my salary is less than 50k year.

I still have enough to live on. But what it REALLY MEANS is that I LIVE WITH LESS. God forbid if you told any average greedy *** american that they shouldn't spend every dollar they had an then some more on credit cards to live a lifestyle they can't afford now, much less if they couldn't work. And that's the problem right there.

Answer 9

cos they have never been in those peoples boots
plus they should have sympathy and empathy and not judge
i do believe that herbs, kiniesiology, homeopathy, nutritional therapy and hair analysis is essential. When pH balance is regained, yeast and parasites are destroyed, chlorine water is filtered and chemical products are replaced with herbal shampoos etc that the human body can fight off many illnesses

Answer 10

yes I get that a lot by frinds and family. Like there must be some job you can do you have been at home three years now you should be rested.