All of the state and federal financial assistance programs that say they're for "low income" families LIE! They're for "low asset" families. My husband has no job (and no unemployment income... a whole different battle...), so our ONLY income is Social Security Disability and a little bit of private Long-Term Disability (= low income). However, we do NOT qualify for financial assistance because we started saving our money when we were very young. I started a 401K with my first full-time job, and I made sure to save before and while I was working. The mere fact that we did the right thing and put our money away in savings means that we now have to suffer the consequences. What the heck?! We could've just spent the money, and then had the government pay for our Medicare premiums and other financial assistance (e.g., Supplemental Security Income).
Don't get me wrong, I know that there are people out there that are in situations that they truly do need these programs. But, I think the way the programs are set up leave them WAY too open for ABUSE. I mean, the only way to get an increase in Social Security Disability is to have a child (or more children)... me now having a spouse doesn't matter, but if we have a child... I think it's the same way with Welfare. Really?! Does that make any real sense? Think about the implications of a system that works this way.
Please don't get me wrong! We're NOT looking for free handouts. We've worked hard for the money we have, and we intend to keep doing so (just as soon as we can find my husband a job...).
I grew up in a farming community. Farmers could have a bank they owed money to grab ALL their income for an entire year and leave them nothing to live on for utilities or food, but because they owned a house on a FARM they didn't qualify even for food stamps. We had a neighbor family almost starve to death before a school teacher finally figured out what was happening (their wrestling team son lost 100 pounds because they were eating popcorn because they grew that and had NO OTHER FOOD). The community stepped up to help but state assistance was not an option. Pitiful in such a rich country.
ReplyDeleteThe system is SO screwed up...it's unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteMy father worked for 30+ years, had a somewhat large savings and retired down here in Florida to be near me & my sis and our kids 4 yrs ago. Three mths after living here...he had emergency back surgery & for the past couple years dwindled his saving in medical costs. He then applied for disability and was denied multiple times. Thankfully his current treatment plan is leaving him fairly pain-free & he just went back to work a few mths ago...for health insurance! So much for retiring!
I had problems with the govt too--I was looking into healthcare when I was only able to find work at a retail store. Basically, my income was low enough but because I lived within my means (due to budgeting) I didn't qualify. It's frustrating to know that you've done everything right and you need help but can't get any because, well, you've done everything right.
ReplyDelete-herndon
It really is frustrating. I just try to remember that it's better to do the right thing, and trust that God will see us through.
Delete