Our 'system'~((((((Kathy in IL))))))

[Guest guest]

Before the " Medicare " drug program was initiated, I paid $6. a month in co-pays.

My monthly income is $612. total. Now, I pay between $20-$60. per month in

co-pays(depending on the meds I need.) I still have it better than many in that

way. If I get a job, I will get to keep the $179. I get from SSDI, but for the

SSI and VA portions they take out dollar for dollar (excluding a $65.

pass-through allowed by SSI). I have to report ANY income immediately, and it

is then taken out the next month. It is such a catch 22. You have to have some

money to start working...clothing, transportation. If I work, I would

essentially have to save every single penny because the next month I would lose

some of my benefits. Darned if I do, darned if I don't.

This is such a sad shame. I have a lot I believe I could give if i could find a

job that I could keep with my disabilities. But...it is also frightening

because how in the world can I get ahead when the government is just waiting to

grasp whatever I do make. When I have to report my income and I say " $612 " the

general question is, " A week? " When I have to say a month, they look at me like

I have to be kidding. I raised four children (all adopted and 2 disabled), but

in our country, that counts for nothing, so I do not receive the amount of SS

that folks who worked outside the home do. My kid's love for me means more than

any amount of money, but it hurts them too to see their Mom struggling.

Just because we have disabilities, we do not lose our dreams, our hopes, our

needs for a little fun here and there, even if it is meager and not often. We

don't lose our humanity because we are sick. But even when you are willing to

try, and try hard, there is not much help. Voc-rehab will help with a few

classes, but finding a job is entirely up to you ( at least in my state). A

voc-rehab counselor once told me that 95% of people who go on SSI do not ever

try to get off of it. Well, no wonder? If you try, then find you cannot

continue, you are going to receive a lower check so the powers that be can

recover the pittance you made when you tried so very hard to have a job.

This entire situation stinks. But I am not ready to throw in the towel. Brings

tears to my eyes to think of how many people in THIS country of ours with all of

it's excesses have to go through this crud.

Thanks for listening, my friends.

Love...

Tess