Social Security Issues

Travelinglady · Jan 05, 2022, 12:16 AM

73% of Americans Are Buying Into a Dangerous Social Security Myth | The Motley Fool

Travelinglady · Jul 08, 2022, 06:44 PM

Social Security Recipients Could Soon See the Biggest Benefits Change in Over 40 Years | The Motley Fool

Travelinglady · Jul 16, 2022, 05:57 PM

How Many Hours Can You Work and Still Collect Social Security? | GOBankingRates

Travelinglady · Jul 24, 2022, 03:10 PM

How Social Security Could Change Under Biden

(Not meant to be a political issue--just what might happen)

nonightowl · Jul 28, 2022, 11:16 AM

There's no "security" in Social Security.

What a misnomer. It may not be around when I'm old enough. And the government often punish people who work to make ends meet by reducing their benefits.

Nammu · Jul 28, 2022, 11:59 AM

I can’t post links but if you google Social security and cola you will see that we’re on track for the biggest cost of living increase in decades.

SS is not going to disappear anytime soon unless T**** wins and dismantles the government. It’s the Republicans that threaten all the time to do away with it and surprisingly there’s a number of people voting against themselves and their best interests by voting for the gop

nonightowl · Jul 28, 2022, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nammu

I can’t post links but if you google Social security and cola you will see that we’re on track for the biggest cost of living increase in decades.

SS is not going to disappear anytime soon unless T**** wins and dismantles the government. It’s the Republicans that threaten all the time to do away with it and surprisingly there’s a number of people voting against themselves and their best interests by voting for the gop

Is this just for people currently collecting only or for future generations? Yeah I know I can just Google it but not in the right frame of mind for that right now.

Many people can't live off the meager benefits, and if you're out of work for a long time or worked in low wage jobs, your benefit is even more pathetic.

I'm always afraid those threats will come true, since any of the GOP could do that, not just Orange Man. They also wanted to cut food stamps, Medicaid. Those are lifelines for people, what little we have in the way of safety nets.

Nammu · Jul 28, 2022, 03:22 PM

It for current people and I’m well aware benefits are not enough as I’m on SSDI and have been so for years. Currently I’m looking into a part time job to supplement my income as I need money for a new used car as the one I have is one thing after another. It’s hard though between my deafness and my back to find something I could do.

nonightowl · Jul 28, 2022, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nammu

It for current people and I’m well aware benefits are not enough as I’m on SSDI and have been so for years. Currently I’m looking into a part time job to supplement my income as I need money for a new used car as the one I have is one thing after another. It’s hard though between my deafness and my back to find something I could do.

I don't have enough for SSDI and no disability to qualify anyway. I'm not even old enough to collect so decided not to research it. I'm not even old enough for a discount on bus fare. They keep touting "jobs, jobs, jobs" but there's only certain types of things I could do. And those aren't plentiful to say the least.

I can't stand/walk all day or even half a day, work/drive at night, or lift/move heavy stuff. It has to be in person, not "remote" as I don't have the technology and that's only for certain work as well. With these new strain of COVID, I don't see a lot of indoor positions like before.

If I wasn't old enough to collect from my IRA I don't know what I would have done or what would have happened.

CANDC · Jul 28, 2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nammu

It for current people and I’m well aware benefits are not enough as I’m on SSDI and have been so for years. Currently I’m looking into a part time job to supplement my income as I need money for a new used car as the one I have is one thing after another. It’s hard though between my deafness and my back to find something I could do.

Used cars have really zipped up in price. Good luck with your search.

Travelinglady · Sep 04, 2022, 02:23 PM

Big Changes Are Coming to Social Security in 2023. Here's What Retirees Must Know.

bpforever1 · Sep 07, 2022, 05:01 PM

Geez, I feel blessed that I have enough food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place to sleep. I don't think I will receive SSI since I have not earned enough so I need to work until I drop dead. My parents receive SSI but it is not enough. I don't know how the elderly get by in the USA but there is not much of a social welfare system here. I feel blessed but realize the system is broke. I want to work but don't know if I will find another job.

nonightowl · Sep 08, 2022, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpforever1

Geez, I feel blessed that I have enough food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place to sleep. I don't think I will receive SSI since I have not earned enough so I need to work until I drop dead. My parents receive SSI but it is not enough. I don't know how the elderly get by in the USA but there is not much of a social welfare system here. I feel blessed but realize the system is broke. I want to work but don't know if I will find another job.

SSI is based on medical conditions making you unable to work. SSDI requires a certain amount of work credits, even if you have medical conditions. So if you don't have enough, you don't get it even if disabled. SSI is so draconian, you have to be practically on your last dime. And they demand a lot of proof of medical conditions, be it physical or mental, that keep you from working or working full-time.

SSDI isn't based on financial need but SSI is, yet you can't have more than a certain amount in the bank or value of total assets.

Most people are rejected when applying for either, after waiting months for approval, and an "appeal" takes forever.

I agree that the system is very, very broken here. The government punishes people for making "too much" or "over the income threshold" which is very low. If you get food stamps for example, they'll reduce your benefit if you make over a certain amount. (I know FS is not just for seniors but it's just an example)

Age requirements for SS, punitive rules for 401(k)'s, etc. I don't know how ANYONE makes it in the US unless you have a high income and strong safety net (financial and human).

The "jobs" they keep touting are too physically demanding for seniors, what with all the walking/standing or volatile working hours. They require you to already have certain skills and don't want to train now.

We stigmatize the unemployed, senior or not. In the US you're supposed to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and have a positive attitude. It will get you what you need. Sorry, but you can't tell your landlord you can't pay rent but have a positive attitude.

If not for my modest 401(k) (which has lost money because of world events) I'd be on the street or dead. I would have to work too but I don't know what I can apply for or do. A lot of employers want the sun and the moon, plus another language spoken. And they have the nerve to say they can't find enough workers to fill their vacancies.

The "economy is strong" according to the government. Well they just count CLAIMS and that's not accurate. Once you run out of unemployment, you drop out of the system and don't get counted anymore, even if still unemployed. So the unemployment rate is "low" and things are rosy.

Not everyone even qualifies for unemployment. All the fraudulent COVID claims that got through make me sick. The government uses outdated software so thieves gamed the system.

Done with my rant on this for today.

Travelinglady · Sep 15, 2022, 04:59 PM

Social Security COLA increase may not be as big as expected

Oh, well.

nonightowl · Sep 16, 2022, 01:40 PM

Here's an article I read about older people trying to survive and ageism:

Help Wanted: No Over-50s Need Apply | Barron's

I'm not even old enough for stupid SS and my benefit is peanuts.

If one works mostly in low paying jobs, one gets a lower benefit. If you're in high paying jobs, you get a higher benefit.

It looks at the highest 30 years of your earnings.

The article is so true. They do use language like "must be able to stand/walk for long periods", knowing very well most seniors can't do that. Or "Must be bubbly and energetic while being positive and working variable shifts as business needs dictate."

Travelinglady · Oct 12, 2022, 08:36 PM

Social Security payments set for big increase. What to know.

Travelinglady · Nov 24, 2022, 07:58 PM

This Social Security move 'can alleviate, if not eliminate' the retirement crisis

It would be great if lots of people could wait until they are 70. But what if their company forces them out? I was put on Social Security as soon as I reached the earliest age, since I was on SS disability.

Do you folks know why 65 was originally set as the age to qualify for Social Security? Because not many people then lived to be that old!

I know the government is gradually increasing the age when people are eligible. They don't have any choice, since current workers are paying for Social Security for the retired folks--and we're getting fewer and fewer younger people. Many of us are baby boomers, so there are a lot of us!

I just hope the whole program is not done away with. I think people should at least get the amount of money they paid when they were working.

nonightowl · Nov 25, 2022, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

This Social Security move 'can alleviate, if not eliminate' the retirement crisis

It would be great if lots of people could wait until they are 70. But what if their company forces them out? I was put on Social Security as soon as I reached the earliest age, since I was on SS disability.

Do you folks know why 65 was originally set as the age to qualify for Social Security? Because not many people then lived to be that old!

I know the government is gradually increasing the age when people are eligible. They don't have any choice, since current workers are paying for Social Security for the retired folks--and we're getting fewer and fewer younger people. Many of us are baby boomers, so there are a lot of us!

I just hope the whole program is not done away with. I think people should at least get the amount of money they paid when they were working.

I didn't read it, as I know I'm not old enough anyway. Yeah they want you to wait till you're a certain age to get the maximum benefit, but what if you need it sooner to LIVE???!!!

The government lives in a different world. I know my benefit will MEASLY, and part of your benefit is based on your earnings. So if you had low earnings or periods of unemployment, your benefit is even lower.

Currently you have to be 62 at least, last I heard. If they keep increasing the age I'm screwed. I didn't know we have fewer young people working. Is that because of a decline in births?

I didn't know about that. I thought they were decreasing the age to be eligible, because I don't recall it being 62 in the past. It was 65 I think.

Also, I think it depends on what year you were born.

I've been thinking of eugenics lately. It seems they want to make it harder for disabled, poor, and older folks to survive. I know GOP wants to get rid of Medicare and SS. How are people to survive? They want you to work, but all these jobs they tout are too physically demanding for many older people. They expect you to have something else, like a company pension. Companies don't do that now; they want you to have a 401(k) and be on your own. Thanks to world conditions and COVID, my 401(k) has lost money.

Employers demand volatile hours and ability to walk/stand for hours and lift 70 lbs. I can't do that. They make it hard to even qualify for disability, as they have their arbitrary list of conditions you have to have. And they demand proof. Reject most people, then they have to appeal. I heard all this from reliable sources: People who have applied and finally got it. I even talked to a veteran who told me because he gets disability, he doesn't get certain VA benefits. They are requiring documents he doesn't have. He's been on hold for HOURS to talk to someone, only to be told to call this other number.

One can have undiagnosed conditions, but one has to go to multiple doctors to see if it's so. And how to pay for it? What if that visit isn't covered and considered "medically unnecessary"?

I don't know where this arbitrary age of 65 comes from, but it makes me want to vomit. Even for this new RSV, those age 65 and older are at risk. If you're 64 you're in the clear.

I HATE the number 65 now. For many years, I was told I had to be 55 for various "senior" things. Then after that, I had to be 60 or 62. I have to be 62 to get a bus fare discount. (I'm 61) 65 for Medicare. Retailers like Ross give those 55 and older a discount but I don't have any money to spend. When I reach 65, they will tell me I have to be 70. Then 75, then 100.

The "Friendship Line' during COVID lockdowns said I had to be 60 and older to be eligible or "entitled" to feel lonely. Or disabled.

I agree that one should get the amount they had when working, but that will never happen. When I was at a big company with a lot of benefits in the 90's, we had private disability as a benefit. Everyone was covered. You'd get 60% of your earnings, way more than the government gives.

If they do away with these programs, we'll have even more tents out there. Not everybody has FAMILY or FRIENDS.

Yeah, on my soapbox again.

Travelinglady · Nov 26, 2022, 03:27 PM

Hop on your soapbox as much as you want, owl!

CANDC · Nov 28, 2022, 06:01 PM

One thing I learned is if you are on disability if converts to regular Social Security at age 66 if that applies to anyone.

If you were married for 10 years or more there are provisions where you can collect spousal benefits while waiting till later to collect full benefits. I am not certain of the details but just mentioning that in case it applies to anyone.

moodyblue83 · Nov 29, 2022, 11:25 AM

Social Security is a misnomer as no one is expected to be able to LIVE on SS alone. The whole thing needs to be revamped.
BUT that is going to be very hard because SS is a cash cow for the government. It used to be most of next generation relied on inheritances , ( still is in many cases ). Then there used to be a middle class that busted their butts for a company that paid well and gave their workers good benefits, ( like retirement funds , health care , stocks and whatever ). Now you have a basically part time work force so that the employers don't have to give them benefits . The "middle class" is disappearing. So you either got it or you don't. The educational system in this country is in the toilet. NO ONE should be starving in America ! ETC....ETC.....
As long as human beings are around your going to have many many problems, and SS is influenced by human nature.
(BTW: There's no way you can talk about SS and leave politics out of it.)

Travelinglady · Nov 30, 2022, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moodyblue83

Social Security is a misnomer as no one is expected to be able to LIVE on SS alone. The whole thing needs to be revamped.
BUT that is going to be very hard because SS is a cash cow for the government. It used to be most of next generation relied on inheritances , ( still is in many cases ). Then there used to be a middle class that busted their butts for a company that paid well and gave their workers good benefits, ( like retirement funds , health care , stocks and whatever ). Now you have a basically part time work force so that the employers don't have to give them benefits . The "middle class" is disappearing. So you either got it or you don't. The educational system in this country is in the toilet. NO ONE should be starving in America ! ETC....ETC.....
As long as human beings are around your going to have many many problems, and SS is influenced by human nature.
(BTW: There's no way you can talk about SS and leave politics out of it.)

I agree. SS was just intended to help out the elderly, not be their sole source of income. Many companies now, though, are doing away with benefits even for full-time workers. My younger son (now 30) has been saving for his retirement years, anticipating no government benefits by the time he reaches the time when he has to stop working. He actually hopes to retire early!

nonightowl · Nov 30, 2022, 05:59 PM

I’m not married. I know if one goes on SSDI they are automatically enrolled in Medicare even if not that magical age of 65. If you inherit money you get dropped from Medicaid and food stamps unless disabled. And that’s hard to qualify for with all the proof the government demands of medical conditions.

MoodyBlue I agree that name is a misnomer. There’s certainly no security in it. What a joke. I think EVERYTHING in this country needs revamping. The entire system. The SS might have worked for previous generations but then again the cost of living wasn’t what it is now. There are more and more luxury buildings going up here while more tents appear at the same time. So many people on the streets because they can’t afford a place to live and have no family. The safety nets are inadequate whether for unemployment or rental assistance or what not.

Companies make people fend for themselves when it comes to retirement now.

This entire country has been in the toilet for many decades I think. And I feel somebody is trying to make this a country for rich people only. It’s like
a dystopian or science fiction novel or movie.

———
Posted directly on site using iphone

Travelinglady · Dec 08, 2022, 05:23 PM

Social Security's Biggest Raise in 41 Years Comes With an Unpleasant Surprise

Travelinglady · Dec 10, 2022, 12:01 PM

4 Social Security Changes Joe Biden Wants to Make: Is 2023 the Year They Become Reality? | The Motley Fool

It's impossible to avoid politics here. As far as I know, the GOP wants to do away with social security ASAP. So, I hope a better plan will develop, maybe a bit like Biden's anyway..

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