Struggling

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathy (IL)...I am sorry for your struggles. I know it is hard.

When I first applied for Soc Sec, I was informed that since I had been a

stay-at-home mom to 4 children, I had no credits toward social security.

Therefore all I could qualify for was SSI. After my kids were grown, I

did work off and on as I could. I found out a few months ago that had I

chosen not to try to work, I would now be eligible for my deceased

husband's SS which is almost double what SSI is. But since I worked a

little, I have to wait til I am 60. (I was widowed at 24, divorced at

39) I was trying to do the " right " thing.

We've been on the low-income/sec. 8 list since 96, still waiting. Our

county has very little fed. funded. housing. I have considered moving

to another county, but our medical insurance is very good here compared

to other places. And Em knows this area, the buses, etc. It would be

hard to move. But, we may have to at some point.

Em works part-time at Safeway, and is eligible for SSI when her hours

are down, but it is very little - sometimes $35. - 40 a month.. She

would make more if she didn't work and took the full SSI. But people

need to understand she is WAY more capable than she is disabled, and at

24 she needs to be with people and have a life. Staying home all day

would hurt her terribly.

This country, as much as I love it, does not make things easy for people

who are truly disabled and needy. We are so tight this month I'm short

for rent by a hundred. But I know God will take care of us. I don't

know what I'd do without my faith. Sometimes I do feel bitter, but I

really try to keep a hopeful outlook.

A friend was complaining about how hard it was to live on $1700. a

month. We live on about half of that. Sometimes I feel like I'm going

to have to force myself back to work, no matter what. But I might be

able to keep it up a couple months then I pay for it a few years with so

many health problems. I also lose part of the SSI. Caught between a

rock & a hard place.

Whew... didn't know all that needed to come out!

Hang in there, Kathy...we are all hoping and praying things will get

better.

Love & Hugs, Always...

Tess