Living off Social Security

[HenOnAJuneBug]

To be fair; that is the attitude I talk about. It is probably not the same in all country's; but I just don't have that option. We are a "rich" country with the "best" social securities..

It's interesting that in a (supposedly) socialist, rich country a destitute person has no options, but in a (supposed) capitalist country like the US, a destitute person will not have to eat out of dumpsters because of all of the Christian (and otherwise to a lesser extent) orgs that feed and house needy people.

 

[Loopeend]

It's interesting that in a (supposedly) socialist, rich country a destitute person has no options, but in a (supposed) capitalist country like the US, a destitute person will not have to eat out of dumpsters because of all of the Christian (and otherwise to a lesser extent) orgs that feed and house needy people.

Maybe. I'm not sure how different we are on socialist or capitalist. I think not much different. Christian good-wills can't do anything because they have to deal with capitalistic rules. There heart is in the good place and they want to; but they have to do a ton of paper-work for every homeless person they feed; and they can only operate when they get funding from the government. Don't get funding because they decise you are "too" Christian? Bye good-will organisation.
The capitalist USE Crhistinaty to shut down stuff; but álso shut down stuff because "not Christian" enough??
Because it is about money. If they make 0.1 cent profit (or did not mange to spend the funding) they get fined big time; that's free money.
For excuse me; capitalists.

I'm not a "socialist/communist' lead by a dictator the was actually a capitalist..we all saw where that went... I'm just social. I think socialism/communism has óne thing I like; helping each other out. That's does not excist in capitalism; it is each their own. That goes well until your "out of the league". Then it sucks.

I would like all the Crhistians over here that try to help other people, the Islamic ones, the athestic ones; to work together as humans. I have worked for years and am glad I got something to fall back on during that short-time of being sick. I'm not sick now and am happy that I as a healthy person pay taxes for someone else who needs it.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I think socialism/communism has óne thing I like; helping each other out. That's does not excist in capitalism; it is each their own.

The latter part is true, but Christian orgs operate outside of that to a large degree in the US. They're not as regulated as they are in Europe (my understanding). People who are swallowed up by the system, due to whatever misfortune, can be fed and housed if they are willing to abide by a charity's rules. A lot of homeless in the US are addicted to drugs and don't want to be limited with such constraints.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I can't speak for all of the US, but just for those areas that I have lived in. There are a lot of organizations around that help those that need a hand up, not just Christian/religious organizations. In the area where I live now, there are community based food pantries and shelters. When the temps skyrocket some towns will open up their town-halls and turn on the air conditioning so that those without a cool place can come in, cool down and relax.
It is important for society to have a populace willing to help the poor - instead of relying on the government to do it for them. When the severe storms came through last weekend and knocked down so many trees - it was neighbors helping neighbors that got driveways and local roads cleared. So many of the governmental programs are traps that tend to keep people stuck in their "poor" state. Once "in the system" it can be nearly impossible for a person to better their situation and get away from needing assistance.

 

[perchie.girl]

I can't speak for all of the US, but just for those areas that I have lived in. There are a lot of organizations around that help those that need a hand up, not just Christian/religious organizations. In the area where I live now, there are community based food pantries and shelters. When the temps skyrocket some towns will open up their town-halls and turn on the air conditioning so that those without a cool place can come in, cool down and relax.
It is important for society to have a populace willing to help the poor - instead of relying on the government to do it for them. When the severe storms came through last weekend and knocked down so many trees - it was neighbors helping neighbors that got driveways and local roads cleared. So many of the governmental programs are traps that tend to keep people stuck in their "poor" state. Once "in the system" it can be nearly impossible for a person to better their situation and get away from needing assistance.

same as here.... Food Pantrys, Project Share, Christian organizations, food co-ops...

I will be using a project called Commodities when I move home. ONce a month they distribute to low income people two bags of groceries depending on need. There may be an additional box of fresh veggies and frozen meat... Or a whole canned chicken.

Lots of rice and beans and canned goods passed or near passed their expiration date. But enough to feed a single person for a month if you are judicious.

deb

 

[Loopeend]

The latter part is true, but Christian orgs operate outside of that to a large degree in the US. They're not as regulated as they are in Europe (my understanding). People who are swallowed up by the system, due to whatever misfortune, can be fed and housed if they are willing to abide by a charity's rules. A lot of homeless in the US are addicted to drugs and don't want to be limited with such constraints.

That's quite interesting! I can't get help here because I'm not addicted enough... see; to get funding; you need to have cliënt that "hit" a certain base. Thén they get funding. If you are nót addicted or have a child; they don't get money to help you. And they are forced to not be able to help you.
long story short; you have to kill yourself or others to get help =/ My docter advices me; no joke; to become acoholic =/
And I worked in that field..

It is a shame. Capatalistic vieuw; every effort you put in to make someone a valuable working member of the society pays off in the end; but you need to give them the chance. And create that chance.

 

[Dharmachick]

I live on SSDI, I go get the commodities box every month. I can get free bread and things like that every day, and I sell eggs to keep my chickens. I don't pay attention to what the price is at the grocery store, I charge $4.00 a dozen and no one ever complains. The cost of free range eggs in the grocery store is much higher and my customers can see how the chickens are treated. I have no problems selling eggs or chickens.

I shop at thrift stores for lots of things, even the construction thrift store. I look through Craigslist for free items I may need. I grow lots and lots of veggies every year. This year it's hard since I should have had surgery for my back 2 years ago, but didn't want to. I am in so much pain I need it now, so I cut down the amount of stuff I grow. I planted 3 semi-dwarf apple trees, 2 plum trees, and a semi-dwarf pear tree when I was working, now I have lots of fruit once a year. Every purchase is thought out, and I do a gratitude journal every day for what I have. I know I am very lucky to have set myself up with fruit trees, and I bought so much craft stuff when I was working that I still have plenty to do scrapbook journaling.

We have a Dollar Tree here where I get reading glasses, sugar free syrup for my coffee, and other things I might need. They're a great place to find stuff for a first aid kit.

The hard part for me is medical bills. I have Medicare, and I pay $134 a month for part B, and that comes out of my SSDI before I see it. My back surgery will be about $6,000 for my share. I'm applying for charity from the hospital where I'm having surgery, so hopefully I will owe nothing. Plus the surgeon's, anesthesiologist's fees, and last surgery I got charged a $55 co-pay for the surgeon's use of the microscope. My doctor likes to order lots and lots of tests. Every time I go. I have declined a lot of them. If I have asthma, why test for it? I was an RN, and I have never seen a doc order so many tests.

Anyway, medical bills are by far my biggest worry. I have gardens in the front which I started from bulbs or seeds. I trade with neighbors for other bulbs and seeds.

Sorry this is so long. It's my story of getting along on Social Security.

 

[Willowspirit]

Thank you for writing this! Am not capable of doing a big garden so we thought we’d start with container plants and then put in fruit trees. We planted a dwarf peach so far. (We just moved here in January). We do have berry bushes everywhere, though. No work on our parts.

Craigslist is invaluable to us as well. From a CL ad We managed to buy high quality grass hay, have it delivered and put in our hayloft for less than load it yourself almost straw. CL is entertaining reading, too! I’ve learned a lot about different kinds of pigs, that’s for sure.

We are not living entirely on Social Security because my husband has a pension. We are so fortunate. Acknowledging gratitude to me is an essential part of living a good life!

 

[perchie.girl]

I live on SSDI, I go get the commodities box every month. I can get free bread and things like that every day, and I sell eggs to keep my chickens. I don't pay attention to what the price is at the grocery store, I charge $4.00 a dozen and no one ever complains. The cost of free range eggs in the grocery store is much higher and my customers can see how the chickens are treated. I have no problems selling eggs or chickens.

I shop at thrift stores for lots of things, even the construction thrift store. I look through Craigslist for free items I may need. I grow lots and lots of veggies every year. This year it's hard since I should have had surgery for my back 2 years ago, but didn't want to. I am in so much pain I need it now, so I cut down the amount of stuff I grow. I planted 3 semi-dwarf apple trees, 2 plum trees, and a semi-dwarf pear tree when I was working, now I have lots of fruit once a year. Every purchase is thought out, and I do a gratitude journal every day for what I have. I know I am very lucky to have set myself up with fruit trees, and I bought so much craft stuff when I was working that I still have plenty to do scrapbook journaling.

We have a Dollar Tree here where I get reading glasses, sugar free syrup for my coffee, and other things I might need. They're a great place to find stuff for a first aid kit.

The hard part for me is medical bills. I have Medicare, and I pay $134 a month for part B, and that comes out of my SSDI before I see it. My back surgery will be about $6,000 for my share. I'm applying for charity from the hospital where I'm having surgery, so hopefully I will owe nothing. Plus the surgeon's, anesthesiologist's fees, and last surgery I got charged a $55 co-pay for the surgeon's use of the microscope. My doctor likes to order lots and lots of tests. Every time I go. I have declined a lot of them. If I have asthma, why test for it? I was an RN, and I have never seen a doc order so many tests.

Anyway, medical bills are by far my biggest worry. I have gardens in the front which I started from bulbs or seeds. I trade with neighbors for other bulbs and seeds.

Sorry this is so long. It's my story of getting along on Social Security.

Outside of the medical you are doing great.... There is a Teaching hospital here that takes on patients that have need... I had my cancer surgery there. I am already on Medi-Cal and hope to stay on it when I transition to medicare... one more year for me... Had my Elective surgery already to loose weight... Hope to be off off Type 2 diabetis meds by the end of the year...

Hope to do as you Grow my veggies and fruits and Raise my chickens and ducks.... Lots of buyers for freerange eggsies... As well as Guinea keets.

Hope the surgery goes well...

deb

 

[biophiliac]

and I pay $134 a month for part B, and that comes out of my SSDI before I s

When I became eligible for Medicare I felt I could not afford the $134 (now $185!)deduction from my SS benefit. I was going to decline Part B even though I knew it was a terrible decision. Then I learned about the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program which helps pay Medicare costs for low income people. It was simple to enroll through Social Security and I pay nothing for part B. Below is a link for more info... or you could just contact your local Social Security office.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclop...individuals-that-help-pay-medicare-costs.html