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I don't know if you've ever had to try to get that designation by SSA, but in my (second and third hand) experience it is extremely difficult to qualify. SSA regularly denies and then you have to get a lawyer and sue them for benefits and restitution. There are also asset and income tests that at this point are effectively punitive.

I don't know anything about Pennsylvania, maybe it's easier there.

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The fact that you have to spend time trying to get yourself designated such whilst you are probably looking for a job, struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, and dealing with other stressors is ridiculous.

Ridiculous and working exactly as intended.

At least in PA, having a disability (I'd assume MS with motor difficulties would qualify) makes it pretty straightforward, based on my experience. Like most government interaction, there's lots of paperwork, but the employees administering it are generally helpful, competent, and pleasant.

I'm sure the bar is higher without a disability, but the asset tests in PA are reasonable, considering they exempt your residence and 1 vehicle.

There's probably horror stories of people falling through cracks, but I just find it disingenuous when people breathlessly proclaim that the US callously let's people die on the street from a loss of employer health care.

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