WJ This Morning - Social Security

[Suziq]

My head is about to explode!

The subject this morning was of course, Social Security. Brian Lamb has to keep this subject in the limelight because it is "in crisis". A woman calls this morning stating that she is living on $850 per month from Social Security and then goes on and on how private accounts will be such a good thing. Obviously, this woman DID NOT follow her own advice. My guess is that she did not make enough money during her working career to save and invest, which is where so many of us are today. So, where the hell would this woman be WITHOUT her Social Security! Oy vey!


:hippie:

[meegbear]

1. We have private accounts. They're called 401(k)s.

And you don't need an employer to have one. I have to with TRowe Price that I set up myself and I put money in every month.

That woman from C-Span sounds like the reverse "welfare queen" of the '80s. Watch for more of her and her ilk appear everywhere in the next few months.

[spooked911]

2. How much you want to bet she was a plant?

I mean, could anyone that stupid really exist?

[Toots]

3. I would suspect she is receiving spousal checks (death of a husband)

Only half of all Social Security checks are for retirement. Actually the majority are for disability and Spousal benefit. It is funny no one from the Republican ever mentions that little fact. Bush* wants to destroy that aspect of social security altogether.

[sevendogs]

4. Disability

I agree, but maybe you don't know a fact about disabilty checks from Social Security. If one is receiving Social Security Disabilty Insurance, as I am, that money is the same as if I were retired and is based upon my work history.

When I reach retirement age, the money (I HOPE) will automatically convert from disability to regular retirement.....unless it is messed up by the present Administration!

SSI, or Social Security Insurance, is a means-based program for those whose work history is insufficient for SSDI. But that is probably also on shrub's radar as it is a "welfare" program for those who are disabled.