Monday, May 6, 2013

SSI -- Mission Almost Accomplished



So, if you've been keeping up with my efforts to obtain Supplemental Social Security for Sophie, now that she's eighteen years old, I am happy to report that the new debit card and first check has arrived. While the final approval will take around six months, Sophie is already eligible to receive the million dollars per month owed her, and I bought the pretty blank book pictured above to enter all of her expenses.

In all seriousness, I am so very grateful for the help Sophie is receiving from our government, from your taxes and mine and appreciate that this entitlement is one not afforded to many in this big, old world. A couple of years ago, I used to read and periodically scuffle with a very conservative lawyer blogger in Texas. I remember a post of hers where she paraphrased some politician or right-wing pundit as saying that those "on welfare" were never thankful enough for it. You know what they were talking about -- the welfare queens riding around in Cadillacs and using their diaper money to buy flat screen televisions, lazy and shiftless and unwilling to work, ungrateful for the cash raining down on them from our pockets. It rankled me then, but not in the way I imagine she or the pundit would want. I know, for a fact, that most of us receiving assistance would rather not have it be so, but that we are grateful beyond imagining for it. I imagine that it's the rare person who isn't grateful for any help at all taking care of their young adult with disabilities. We probably can't grovel at the world's feet, but it's pretty close.

For all of you out there who are waiting for your own children's 18th birthdays to come, hang on. The process was far simpler and more efficient than I had foreseen, another dreaded milestone that came and went with far less fuss and angst than I imagined.

17 comments:

  1. I don't mind paying taxes when I realize what those monies provide: police, fire, libraries, roads, armies and a bit of help for Sophie. I'm so glad that the process has worked for her and without too much hassle. Please remember to open accounts at various banks so that million a month will be covered by FDIC!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  2. I am so glad to hear this. Any burdens lifted are to be thankful for. It's good to know that sometimes the system actually works as planned.

    I think those who bitch about 'cheaters' are latching onto a very small number of people to hold up as an example of those receiving help. They are the exception to the rule. Most deserving people have to work very hard to receive assistance, and they are berated and made to feel 'less than' for doing so. Shame on us.

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  3. So glad you have some help and relief coming to you. So glad it wasn't as bad as you had feared (although I know it was still a TON of work.) And I love that pretty book. It's so very Sophie...

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  4. Amazing that it wasn't HARDER than you thought it would be.
    I've given up on trying to understand people who are so begrudging about their taxes and where the money is being spent. They are poor of spirit. That can't be a happy way to spend a life.

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  5. This help is not welfare ..not entitlements....not even assistance. This is where our tax money should be going toward...helping Sophie and all who need a helping hand. And for those that do their "homework" it is usually easier than you thought....happy for you.

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  6. And for the ease of it, for you, I am so very grateful.

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  7. I made a big mistake of not applying before our son turned 18 and that created some complications but I agree that the extra money makes an enormous difference in our lives..can now pay for more afterschool/enrichment activities not to mention childcare. Will save society a ton in our mental health costs:)

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  8. I'm happy to hear the system works! Yay!

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  9. oh, that's what SSI means exactly! I'm too grateful that you're government is giving Sophie the extra assistance she needs!

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  10. that is good to know! i am a bit daunted...

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  11. With the traveling and deadlines I've been out of touch (again). So glad that Sophie will receive assistance! I second your comment about how grateful recipients are. I have family experience with how much disability assistance can mean in the struggle to stay above water.

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  12. I am so pleased that it has gone smoothly for you! As for your gratitude, I want to say that it goes both ways. I am forever grateful that there are parents like you who are mindful and caring of your children with disabilities and willing to educate others on the gifts and challenges of that life.

    As for those who rail against 'welfare queens,' I am reminded that it is those things about which we scream the loudest that are reflections of our own perceived shortcomings. I wonder what that pundit in Texas feels guilty about taking advantage of....

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  13. whenever I owe the IRS come April, I mutter about how I wouldn't mind so much if our government spent the money on things I feel good about. Reading this today has completely turned me around: the money I pay the feds is helping Sophie and her family. Now that's something I can feel really good about.

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  14. I've never seen a Cadillac driving welfare queen watching her flat screen tv she bought with diaper money - but I have seen Sophie. Which one is real? Sophie. That lady in Texas is full of it.

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