Quote:
|
Originally Posted by rob62521
My mom applied for ssi because her social security was so low. She wasn't eligible for it even though she lived way below the poverty line. Yet I see big SSI checks going to others I work with. And they aren't below the poverty line.
|
This shouldn't be happening, unless they are hiding some income or assets. SSI is income based, meaning you can't get it unless you make less than x-amount of money (and it's a very low threshhold). Now, plain old social security retirement/disability/survivors benefits is NOT income based, so people can get it regardless of what they make based on their past work history, their spouse, or parent (for minors and disabled). And the SSI checks are not big - they are set federally with a state supplement. Here in NY it's just over $600. I know in other states it can be $700 or more - still not much at all per month.
So where am I going with all this? I have no idea. But if someone works hard all their life and makes a lot of money, does that entitle them and their spouse or disabled child to earn their beneifts, even if they don't need it? Who would decide whether someone "needed" the money or not? And what would be the incentive to work harder and earn more if they weren't rewarded for it when they retire? But then again, what about all us youngsters who can't really expect to ever get a dime from social security, yet have to pay in?
I have no answers
but I am certainly trying to save for my own retirement and not depend on SS.