I just wanted to check in and give you all a status update. As we are all aware, COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on our physical, emotional and economic health. I know these are difficult times for everyone. I think everyone feels unsettled and I just want you all to know that you are not alone.
I am hearing from clients and new callers alike about how devastating this whole experience has been for them and their families. People are sick and some are dying. Many people have lost their jobs. Parents are struggling with the fact that many have had to transition to the role of "teacher," which not all student/children are thrilled about. It is hard to get appointments with doctors. It is difficult to get medications in many instances...and it is still impossible to find toilet paper!
However, there are some blessings that are coming out of this whole experience. People seem to be truly more concerned about one another. I have heard from friends and former clients that I haven't spoken to in years, just checking in to make sure that I am okay. I have seen more families out and about walking their dogs and riding their bikes. Many people adopted furry friends from shelters to help ease both their own and a needy pet's loneliness. Nature is thriving. I know this b/c my dogs discovered a family of possums. This discovery led to some possum houseguests for a while in fact.
We are still open and conducting business if you need anything at all. As we share our floor with a walk-in clinic, we are currently teleworking. However, we are still able to retain new clients, file applications and appeals, as well as do medical development on your cases. SSA is currently holding hearings telephonically and they have been going very well for the most part. It sounds like SSA plans to hold hearings this way through at least the end of July and possibly August.
I have always worked at home a couple of days a week when possible, as I tend to travel around to hearings often and enjoy eliminating a commute when I can. Thus, I was well-equipped to adjust to the "shelter in place" order. Social Security has always limited their employees' access to email and the internet, so conversely, it has taken them some time to get their employees up to speed, but I feel they have really made great strides in a short period of time.
I have to say that I have been talking to a much kinder and more helpful version of SSA lately. They seem to understand how essential their jobs are now, as Social Security Disability Insurance and retirement recipients are some of the most vulnerable members of the population who happen to be experiencing some of the most dire consequences from COVID-19 currently. I have actually had more personal conversations with SSA employees than I have ever had before. They are apologetic for the delays and seem to be trying their best to get through the backlog as quickly as they can.
SSA employees also are experiencing their own challenges like the rest of us. Some of them are homeschooling kids. Some of them have spouses and children that have lost jobs. Some SSA employees have sick family members with COVID-19. Thus, I am keeping this in mind every time I check on your cases. Unfortunately, the reality is that COVID-19 has affected everyone in the whole world at this point.
Thus, I just wanted to say hello. I am thinking of you all. I am still here if you have questions about your cases or if you just want to vent about this new reality. I apologize in advance if when we are on the phone, you hear my current home assistants, Pepper and Copper, barking in the background. My "fur kids" are loving this "shelter in place" order. In fact, I think pets are the only ones thrilled with life right now. I have attached a photo of the pups to this blog, as some of you have inquired as to the "unique" noises my pups make in the background during our calls.
That is it for now! Be well. Stay safe. Take care of each other and don't be strangers. I am around if you need anything.
