Amy Farrell has been navigating a long and difficult journey with her appeal for disability benefits, which she says has been an uphill battle for months. Farrell, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for almost 30 years, has lost much of the sensation in her hands, cannot bend her knees, and is unable to work or leave her home.
For the last couple of years, she has fought to secure disability payments and health care coverage through Social Security insurance but has struggled to receive the assistance she needs. Though she has managed to live independently for many years, at the age of 55, Farrell has had to move back in with her parents due to what she refers to as an error in her disability benefits paperwork.
Farrell told KMBC 9 Investigates that she was denied Social Security benefits in 2023 and subsequently filed another appeal this year. However, she has been informed that it could take months before a decision is made. During this waiting period, the medical costs and prescription bills continue to accumulate, further straining her situation.
“I don’t have much faith in SSI,” she explained. “I do believe this will work out. It’s just a question of when.” In response to her case, KMBC 9 Investigates has reached out to both state and federal Social Security officials on her behalf.
A representative from the Kansas Department of Children and Families, which oversees Kansas disability determinations, said they are currently reviewing her case. Additionally, a spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said they would contact Farrell directly to help resolve her concerns.
Despite these difficulties, Farrell maintains her faith, saying she draws strength from it during this challenging time. “I have to have faith to keep going and keep believing, for something bigger than me,” she said.
