Social Security and Disability
On July 23, 2015, I was watching the news. The headline that grabbed my attention was that SSI and SSD are in danger of running out money. Next year, 2016, those on these programs may have to take a cut in benefits or the possibilty that they may not get them at all. The government has desribed them as 'entitlement' programs, and they actually are. Those who have worked have paid into both of these programs and are entitled to them when they retire or become injured.
My own story is one that includes me in these numbers. In June of 1992, at the age of 26, while working in HVAC, I fell from a building in Baltimore, approximately 30 feet, and landed on concrete. Obviously, I sustained many injuries, a broken back in 4 places(which wasn't found right away) and a fractured neck(which wasn't found right away), both legs broke, left ankle broke, left heel shattered, left arm broke and the wrist dislocated, jaw dislocated, a minor brain injury that has negated my memories before this accident and the loss of all my teeth. In addition, there are internal issues that require medications to control.
I spent many months in a wheel chair as multiple surgeries had to be performed to rebuild certain parts, including metal plates and screws to hold it all together. I experienced the most painful and humbling activity I have ever dealt with, learning to walk again. Shortly after this accident, I had to let go of my home, my car and truck, my motorcycle and had to move into a small apartment(236 square feet) on my parents property or live on the street.
Now, I went from making very good money, with the abilty to maintain a home and all the things that people want and need. I was able to afford to visit the doctor and get any medications needed. I was able to purchase the groceries, the insurance, the fuel(heating and vehicle) and the other needs. I was able to provide entertainment and adventure, which I believe is a necessity to a longer, healthy life, to barely being able to make it from month to month.
I served in the Navy, although was discharged medically for having Psoriasis, a skin condition.
Now, we are learning that true Americans will be, again, hit while the illegals still receive all the 'goodies' that are suppose to be reserved for Americans. These people have not paid in to any of the programs they are being given. Food stamps, medical, housing, driver's licenses and the ability to vote in an American election. Recently, Obama signed an EO that enhances the benefits that ILLEGALS get. In addition, Obama just gave Kenya a billion dollars. A billion dollars. Let that sink in. But, Americans have to take a cut.
There is also reports that the SSI and SSD programs will be completely depleted in less than 19 years. As I said, we, the American populous, pay into these programs during our working years. Now, with the push for a $15/hr minimum wage and the inevitable rise in cost of product and closure of businesses(as already seen in Seattle), how will those on these programs survive? Since they have already announced a cut would be necessary, we know that a cost of living adjustment(COLA) with not be forthcoming. For these people, the ends already don't meet. What is it that we are suppose to do?
A large percentage of people on these programs have bad credit due to medical bills. Being on Medicare, we are to pay 20% of medical bills. But, we cannot afford to do that and remain alive. I have been told, countless times, from people who are not on either of these programs, that we should 'purchase' a secondary insurance. Folks, we don't get much money to survive, how do we pay our bills, i.e., Rent, Utilities, Food, etc. and be able to afford a secondary insurance payment too?
The ultimate question is this, Why do we not ever hear that the welfare programs are running out of money?
