RICHMOND, Va. — Lowrine Ford, a 59-year-old woman from Virginia, has been battling severe pain and uncertainty for over a year. Her struggle isn’t just with her health but also with navigating the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability system.
Ford, who has rheumatoid arthritis, experiences constant pain and swelling in her joints. The condition has left her barely able to walk, work, or even sleep through the night.
“I’m in pain all the time,” Ford shared. “I sleep about three hours a night because my feet and legs are swollen, and I can hardly walk some days.”
Struggles With Daily Life and Work
Ford’s condition has made her physically unable to continue her full-time job as a home health aide, a role that requires her to be on her feet constantly.
After decades of work starting at age 16, she applied for Social Security disability benefits in April 2023, hoping for financial relief. However, she has faced repeated delays and a lack of communication from the SSA.
Frustration With the SSA Process
Ford’s journey with the SSA has been anything but smooth. She repeatedly tried to reach the SSA but encountered roadblocks at every turn.
“I’ve been calling for months,” Ford said. “Every time I call, a recorded message says, ‘We’re not accepting calls today. Call back another day.’”
When she finally managed to speak to a representative, she was told that her disability application had been denied in August 2023. However, Ford never received any official denial notice. To make matters worse, her online SSA account showed conflicting information, indicating her application was still being processed.
Confusion Over Application Status
Ford’s online account displayed that her application had progressed to “Phase Three,” where medical history is reviewed. Later, it moved to “Phase Four,” only to return to “Phase Three” again, leaving her confused and frustrated.
“I really don’t know what to do,” Ford admitted. “I’m very confused.”
A Glimmer of Hope
After repeated efforts, Ford finally heard from an SSA representative who assured her that her case would be reevaluated and submitted to the disability board for a decision.
Still, Ford worries about further delays. Data from 2023 shows that the average time to receive a disability decision in Virginia is 228 days, slightly longer than the national average of 222 days. Ford has already been waiting over 285 days.
Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ford’s condition is debilitating, requiring her to take around 30 pills and six injections daily. Despite her doctor’s recommendation that she shouldn’t be working, Ford remains in limbo, unable to receive the disability benefits she desperately needs.
“I’ve provided all the paperwork to prove my condition,” she said. “They know I shouldn’t be working, but I’m still waiting.”
A Call for Support
Ford’s financial and medical struggles have prompted a friend to create a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her rising medical expenses.
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