Re Jan. 31 letter by Warren Bender, “Social Security living on borrowed money”
I couldn’t agree more. Like Mr. Bender, I have worked and paid FICA since 1968, working part time throughout high school, college and the early years of my two children. In 1987, I was hired full time as a social welfare examiner in an Upstate New York county social services department until my 2011 retirement.
As the USA is often referred to as the proverbial “melting pot,” many of my clients were from diverse nationalities, applying for cash, food stamps and Medicaid assistance, as they were not yet employed or were elderly and had very recently entered the USA.
Much to my surprise, a considerable number of these immigrants were in receipt of Social Security Administration benefits.
After recently applying for Social Security disability myself, I know that the eligibility process includes delving into my work history and sending me for countless doctors visits and diagnostic testing (at SSA’s expense). I still have more appointments scheduled within the next two weeks. It has been nearly one year since my initial application with SSA. I’m still waiting for a determination.
My questions are: How do immigrants with zero work history in the USA get SSA benefits? How do they become eligible? Why after a more than 42-year work history in the USA am I still in SSA limbo?
And we all wonder why SSA is in such financial mess? Go figure.
The writer lives in Murrells Inlet.
E-Mail
Print
The Sun News Terms & Conditions and Commenting Policies can be reviewed here.