[tinapbeana]

i think the description of "selfish" was being used more for folks who collect SS simply because it's time, rather than out of any actual need for the money. the spirit of the legislation was to take care of the basic needs of the aging so that they could retire with dignity and in health, as opposed to starving, ill, or homeless. the intent was not, IMO, to cover someone's medical bills so their money could be diverted and used for something else, like a motorhome and a 6 month north american roadtrip.

not that i'm saying that all or most do this, i'm saying it does happen. if person A has no actual 'need' for SS income and person B does, and person A still takes SS benefits simply because they feel it's owed to them, then yes i do find that selfish.