I came across this blog, SSI for deaf people? After I finished reading the blog, it left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. The blogger was having a discussion with a couple of his buddies, and he was defending people who draw Supplemental Security Income (SSI). He extolled the benefits of SSI, namely:
…but I, myself, get SSI every month and my point of view about it is that it makes me happier, makes my life much easier. Thanks to SSI, I’m able to move to Washington, D.C. and live with my friends, and have one good life!
*facepalm* So I’m unwittingly contributing to this person’s good life and happiness through my hard earned tax dollars. How am I paying taxes? I work. Maybe this person should look into that word…work. It’s not such a dirty four lettered word. But oh wait! He has attempted to be gainfully employed: “Yes I know I can get a job, but believe me I’ve applied couple of jobs at D.C., even at Union Station and heard nothing from them!” Cry me a river, and call it De Nile. A couple job applications do not an effort make. Where’s the elbow grease?
Here’s another gem:
You guys can think it’s wrong for me to take bunch of money from your taxes, but you have to think; You are giving many people what they want, you’re giving people a smile on their face knowing they’ll get money, you’re practically donating. You should feel good about it.
After reading that comment, I had a *headdesk* moment. KER-THUNK! With that kind of twisted logic justifying the receipt of these kind of funds, it’s no wonder that the society at large consider deaf people “charity cases.” With people like these, there is no need getting into an uproar about being labeled as such. Nobody likes it when their charity dollars go somewhere they’re not supposed to, and this statement is a prime example.
Don’t get me wrong. I think SSI can be a lifesaver for a lot of people…if used for the purposes intended. Someone fresh out of college and looking hard for a job could use some help. Some mentally ill deaf people who can’t work, even if they wanted to, should have access. But to view SSI as a way of life with no serious life goals or planning, I think it’s akin to suicide. As one commenter on that blog noted, “THERE IS NO FUTURE IN SSI/SSDI. USE IT AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE USED…AS A BRIDGE TO IMPROVING YOUR LIFE.” She hit a grand slam home run: use it to move ahead, not waste away at society’s expense.
In my opinion, living life on just SSI alone is like using the artificial sweetener, Sweet-n-Low, in your coffee. Just as you shouldn’t ingest too much of it, SSI shouldn’t be used as an long-term crutch at taxpayer’s expenses. Why settle for a sweet life with low expectations? Wouldn’t you have a bitter aftertaste when you look back at your life and realize that nothing was accomplished?
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Wouldn’t you have a bitter aftertaste when you look back at your life and realize that nothing was accomplished?
I doubt this guy’s the kind of person who cares about that. I’m sure he thinks being able to get “free” money to pay rent, go out to dinner with friends, and get drunk every night is some sort of accomplishment.
I’m almost 30 years old and I’ve never been on SSI/SSDI. I’m profoundly deaf, but I don’t qualify for it. I came from parents who worked hard to get to where they are and instilled high expectations in me.
My parents supported me while I looked for a full-time job. I looked everywhere that was non-food-service and non-retail. I applied to a minimum of one or two jobs daily; tried to apply to about 5-10 jobs a week. Yes, the job hunt is a pain in the butt. Yes, job hunting is hard work, but finding a job that you like that’s a good fit for you (and provides stable, steady income) is totally worth it. I like feeling productive and knowing I’m doing something that impacts others in the world.
That guy is kind of stupid to blog about it. A reader could read that blog, then report him to the Social Security Administration, and his SSI would be cut.
But yeah, generally people like him don’t look back on their lives and realize what a waste it’s been. Living the good life is all that matters to them.
It is really impossible to spend on deaf people by social Security. It will be running out of money.. I have to tell hearing people to use SSDI for disabitiy incomes. I would not go back SSDI after laid off a job. but a problem that I paid the taxes for people’s need to reiable on SSDI or SSI. it is good for college student to recieved while college expense are ” pain ass” 100 years it will be out of money since president John Kennedy was not set up Social Security I think it was President Johnson set up for Social Security for some people recieved money from SS office. I assume that. I agree wih Mr. Deaf Pundit about stupid of discuss of SSI. Out of your mind that if you reieable and addicted and abuse Social Security millions owe so much by tax and who will pay you if you are not come from American. Why you take advantage of Social Security. Deafie waste time of their life without job hunting. as I have not take a social security check since my kids was diapers and Five years later I decide to go back to work and feel money security more comfortable than SSDI .. if I applied the SSDI and I will be earning less than real check from working companies. The reason I against SSDI for some reason. if I became retiring as 70’s I would have to apply after retirment is over and Get retirement is very difficult to fix incomes of your life. it will be higher costly!
Margaret from Seattle:
Thanks for posting your comments. I agree about the heavy abuse of Social Security. What people fail to realize is the money that is available now is because of people who are working RIGHT now is contributing to that fund. As the number of workers dwindle (baby boomers), the funds follow suit.
So if you think that by paying into the fund now is reserving your spot for the future in retirement planning, you got a rude awakening coming.
I can’t wait to see what happens in 10 years when the first set of baby boomers are finally retired. (My father’s in the first group of baby boomers and he’s likely to work the next 10 years unless something happens (*knock on wood*).
In 11 years… THERE’S NO SSI!!!! *waaaaaah*
Yeah. Be interesting to see how the deaf adults “relying” on SSI for income (not school) react and deal with that.
Vikki, I agree that I was rude about the little silly situation. if you keep save in 401 k) and retirement for long time. I am almost 47 yr old and I think SSDI is good for retirement and disabities. but if you are full deaf and no handicapping in your physcials as long you could work longer than take a SSDI.
It is hard to saving the 401 and more than stock. I know most deafie did not prepare for that kind of money issues.
you are right!
Margaret
FDR set up Social Security, not JFK or LBJ.
It was the administration of Richard Nixon (approximately 1973) that was responsible for opening up SSI to deaf people who never worked before.
Prior that, it was the Eisenhower administration in the 1950’s that opened up SSDI for people who had a work history and lost their hearing due to an accident or something like. In other words, it was for late-deafened people.
SSI has nothing to do with social security.
SSI is a separate program and does not come from social security taxes. It means “Supplemental Security Income.”
It was set up in 1970’s by Richard Nixon for blind, aged, and disabled people who had little or no income.
What about some deaf people who say they’re not on SSI/SSDI? There are too many of them with WAY too much time on their hands.
I’m already mentally prepared to either die young (like in my 60’s) or just keep on working til I’m 80.
SSI was great for me in college, but I got off it immediately, but the stupid bureaucracy of the Social Security Administration stuck me with an overpayment because they hadn’t processed my forms declaring that I was now working full-time. I had reported it to them as soon as I found the job. This back and forth took four months to be fully resolved. So I’m paying off more than $800 dollars in the overpayment thanks to stupid SSA. I wish I had never been on SSI in college.
“SSI was great for me in college”
vs
“I wish I had never been on SSI in college”
Which one?
Where would you be had you not gotten SSI while in college?
No excuse for Deaf people not getting job but someone told me while back around 1960’s when LBJ was guest speaker at Galluadet college and told Deaf kids that they can get SSI and wont have to work. So do you think what happen when they learn about SSI? Hope that is not true story but if so Do Do?
LBJ actually said something like that during his presentation to college students??
LBJ have no brain… But, something he did not know Deaf people can doing their own work with company. Remember old time they will afraid to get deaf from other deaf.It is not Contagious!! LBJ think he will fear to get it from deaf people. PHONEY?
That’s why LBJ encouraged disable people feel insulted.
Make sense?
It still not make sense to me It is not Contagious! StUpIDeSt!
Margaret
Margaret
Contrary to the myth, most young deaf people I know don’t want to be on SSI for the rest of their life. It’s human to want self-respect. But any population’s bound to have slackers.
Here’s a question: if SSI was available to anyone who didn’t want to work, how many hearing stoners would apply? :)
College-wise, think about the hearies who use military means (i.e. by joining the Army, etc.) to receive free education…hmm? Why can’t deafies join?? So that might justifies the existence of SSD/I…hmm?
Except that when it comes to military-sponsored education, those people have to “pay back” the military by working for them. Anyone who is dishonorably discharged from the military or otherwise leaves the military before their “debt” is due has to pay back the tuition.
I never thought of that for hearing people want to getting free education while they are in miltary, etc.
Margaret
It’s called “reparations.” When they screw up our educations and lives by ignorance and discrimination, you know, they gotta come correct.
After reading this post, you couldn’t believe how stupid I felt! I decided to remove the post. I understand what you mean and how you feel, but you people fail to know I am going to take couple of courses at Gallaudet. I’m just saying how SSI help me a lot with my life, before I start receiving SSI, I was sad, I had a depressing life. I thought of getting SSI and I did and I became more happy. Like I said, I’ve tried apply for couple of jobs, nothing. I had to live with my parents (whose is about to kick me out) SSI has helped me out a lot. Well, sorry if you guys felt little bit offended for taking bunch of money from you guys.
Cheers,
Bryan
Bryan, I am support your side because of depression is serious. Mental stable is not able to getting improve if you are in trouble with your parents.but Gally is help you to support for money for any of kind living. I mean that most deaf people abuse SSI without not effort to looking for a job.
My apologized for ruin your comment earlier the post I saw your comment was meaning and serious about depression can fatal.
Admitting that I rarely bigot about SSI. I just mad one person .. Im sure you saw the lady’s comment.
in http://www.seekgeo.com about ADA related &job related,too.
I did not say you are lazy.. but you still student at Gally and things seem so hard.
I am worry about one of my daughter, Lilly goes to college next year and her budget might be stricted without SSDI or anythng. Lilly is not deaf. the reason why Im still worry about her in the future.
Margaret
Bryant,
I dont think we accused you for a being stupidest. No, but SS office like to play with all of people who applied because of return money back. After you got a new job and dont depoisted SSI or SSDI in your bank account. Hold check for three check, So if SS office against you to repay their money back. Make sense and dont depoisted three check = “three month of trail.” Social Security always tell you you will a free trail duirng you hired a new job. Thats What two people say they are stuck to repay their money back to SS. Get it?
That’s why I against SS office should not fool everyone in some of way. “CAUTION about trail”
Margaret
P.S. - I never said I’ll rely on SSI for the rest of my life.
Bryan,
Agree with you .. I know Depression is very tough for deaf community in USA which they could not find a job. Have you looking at http://www.seekgeo.com I have been tell people to looking and was shocked that most deaf people put deaf or hard of hearing. No one hired them. Strange?
Have you looking compare in website of seekgeo.com yet? They were talked about ADA ruined deaf people in your community or other states. I know someone have not check on http://www.seekgeo about find a job and discrimination are so many different information from deaf sent SeekGeo.
Margaret
Remember if you apply a job and something it has not opening a job for A.D.A. I just blame ADA. but One problem with SSDI. Some deafie people depend their incomes forever without efforting a job hunting.
Likely Erin stuck with SSI return 800 dollars. Darn it. I wish I teach her better.. After hire a new job. and SS Office always fool everyone that three month trail. you can spend $$ .. Dont depoist three check after hiring a job.. Hold a check until letter say you owe.. blah blah.. then you can hold check it.. Dont depoisted in your account. GET IT SS office like to play around with dummy deaf. I dont like SS very much. The reason why it is hurt deaf people put down.
Margaret
I believe the younger deafies are staying away from ssi but the older deafies its the way of life; they want the easier way out; which in my opinion is gross.
I know of a deaf human that was working full time; earned a nice salary and benefits then the human quit the job and now the human prefers to remain on ssdi instead of working for a living and he/she is perfectly capable of getting a job and carrying her/his weight; the only “disability” he/she has is is DEAFNESS…grrrrrrrrr Human
“human”?
Tim,
Agree with you about find a job and steady a job forever .. It sometime not easy when you got a pink slip to laid off! Last month ago I lost my job. I am so tired to find a job since over a years.. Last Oct I laid off from medical office and two month ago I worked for one company and laid me off. I dont think I understand their company greedy. they provided me a 8 dollars .. I refused to put down.. ASK them for raise 10 dollars since My last salary was 12.53/ per hours. It is hard to raise with money on my kids.
it is human of our mind that stubborn and get raise correction of salary.
Margaret
Never used SSI/SSDI
I appluaded for you to find a job. One HUGE problem was that ADA was passed the law since 1990 after my first daughter, Lilly and I decided to return to work after recieved a SSDI and it was too small amount of that I made it difficult time with my daughter’s father. I have been spend time with Lilly and then over a year later. I discovered that I pregant and learn that my pregnancy have a medical problem I am admitted I recieved a check of SSDI for only five years.
After Second daugther, Tara have a medical problem after she was in 6th grade. I spend on medical bills. I know it is hard to raise without job. I decide to find a job and now over 40’s age is much harder than you think and nothing wrong. 40’s is too old to applied a job. I knew It is impossible to stay a company have a great 401 (k)investiaged and you should have start retirement stocking. The reason why I did not put a stock because of Tara’s medical condition was serious. she getting better and Getting older and her medical issues is not the good signal. The reason why We were not planned to stock for retirement and 401 (k).. Yes it is very painful and move on.
Hope you save alot money before you decide to have a kids. It is not simple living cost plus medical bills can be unexpected. I broke it. I wish I could save huge before Lilly and Tara born
Think about age who want to applied during age 40 is much harder to find a job. Even I never put deaf on resume or information on job applications. I just blank and written what you have go through old jobs.
if you say 20+ plus years of employment .. They will know you are over 40.. Never put 20 + because the company will discrimationed of your age. Just put down over 10 years.
Age, Deaf and disbabities are discrimination by company. ADA doesnt really care about you! thats why it is hurt deaf to not able to find a job.. Depend on SSDI. I dont blame for that. but after three month after hired a company.. Return undepoisted check to SS office.
Margaret
Margaret
Margaret,
My major issue is with people who use SSI because they think they can get a “free ride” with it and use that money instead of working. SSI/SSDI is great for people who really cannot work because of disabilities that have actual limitations — major psychiatric disabilities or medical problems such as fibromyalgia, cancer, etc.
As far as deaf people not finding jobs — any discrimination should be reported to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). However, there are plenty of hearing people out there who are struggling to find jobs. The average length of time for finding a job these days is 8 months. I didn’t begin looking until the end of August, and I got a job 8 months later and started the next month. In the meantime, I worked part-time and freelanced. People who apply to 2 or 3 places and give it about a month and then give up are NOT job-hunting. Those are the people I don’t have sympathy for.
Never Used SSI/SSDII agree with you about EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
Where I always applied One of place in hospital. and They abused me about ADA and doctor visit. Not related job hunting. but I used to work Medical Records File Clerk and I need a job soon and I applied the job at Stevens Hospital in Edmonds, WA .. They always never responsed because of my last name were labeled. Can I use that one of EEOC for job related that I need a job. They never call me or something like that.
I know it is not possible to communicate with Stevens Hospital and EEOC. Should I file complained EEOC? Job discrimination?
Steven’s Hospital discrimated me many time by medical clinic.
What’s your suggestion?
Margaret
Never used SSI/SSDI,
Have you check website http://www.seekgeo.com yet? My comment was in there and ADA law and the job that deafie have a problem with hearing people who hired and discriminated EEOC. I thought I should contact EEOC.
Margaret
I’m a little confused.
If this place discriminated against you as a patient before and then again as a job applicant, then that’s good reason to bring a lawsuit against them. That’s definitely ADA.
If this place is discriminating against you only because they know you’re deaf and know your name because it shows up in the system as deaf, that’s EEOC.
First things I suspected that it must be both of EEOC and ADA. becuse three clinic were abused me alot. I file. but I cannot file ADA law because of I closed the case three years ago. Now they are stuck I am not patient. but two of my daughter still patients.
Stuck me, again!
Interesting that this issue is still around after what…15 years? In a way, I wish they would get rid of the provision that allows deaf people to apply for SSI/SSDI just simply for being deaf. Why did you think it was so easy to get SSI? If that provision was removed…image how many more self-sufficent people there would be and prehaps more people getting a degree. Not necessary from Gallaudet. Most hearing people do not have this ’safety finanical net’ when they start school. Unless they were single parents then there are programs that give finaical assistance for shcool. They would have to take out loans, work part time at one or two jobs and live cheap. I think part of the problem is that there is no incentive to get off SSI. What would they be rewarded in return for getting off SSI? Nothing. They just can’t see it beyond getting that monthly government check. For example in some states, the incentive for getting off welfare was free or reduced daycare costs for a certain time, I believe some were for a year after getting off welfare. Correct me if I’m wrong. That’s why I look at SSI as welfare for deaf people in a way. For the military, the tution is paid for, yes. However they have to get GOOD grades. I knew of one man who got his degree and he had to maintain a B average or lose sponsership for school. Plus many of them are working full-time in additional to going to school and raising a family. I’m not sure if any of the SSI clients ever thought what they would say when their children ask them what they do for a living. By the way, what happens when they run out of money and they can’t get SSI anymore? There won’t be a penision (retirement money) after SSI when they retire. So is there going to be a stample of people looking for jobs or what? I’m having a hard time fathoming that in my head. Scary, huh?
Bryan,
Don’t feel stupid, it was a good topic for you to bring it up. If SSI saved your life, then so be it.
It is a good safety net for deaf people to have if they cannot find a job or whatever. However when they approach to their retirement years, this is where it becomes a problematic situtation because it is when many people retire, they have a lot of money, they can afford good medical care, live in a nice retirement home/nursing home and do whatever they want. With SSI alone and if you have never worked, it is a very risky move because you will end up being poor, perhaps with a lot of health issues, costly medicine and lousy health insurance (Medicaid) and probably go in a nursing home. It is a scary thought and everyone needs to be prepared for their retirement years and save money for these years.
SSDI is for people who have worked and have paid into social security, but have become disabled. People on SSDI have worked for that money and are entitled to it. My sister, who is hearing, get SSDI. If you look at her, you will think there is nothing wrong with this lazy girl. But, she have very rare disease and if she try to work more than 10-20 hours every week, she get sick and have to be in the hospital. She almost died last time. So, now she works 12 hours a week and takes her SSDI.
On SSI what do you get every month? $700-800? That is not a good life. How can you live on so little money?
I agree with Michelle and” not the same”
I know the way it is for temporary to use SSDI. if unemployment check is running out of money. That’s depend on your health is getting failiure.
I know health is not part of fun and my younger sister cannot depended on job. because of she havea biopolar depression is the reason she cannot able to keep her job forever. she could not able to getting on settle down of her need.
Only I don’t agree to be lazy someone depended on SSDI for long time and no health problem. It is abusive. I rather avoid to SSDI unless I have no way to support on my personal on family. I am kind of believe that Deaf can find a job.
Most time Deaf depend on SSDI for long time and it is good for someone cannot hold a that job because of health issues. I supported the person to use SSDI for medicare helped the people to get better. but not 100%
My friend who have kidney disylas depend on it and she feel so tired and because of her kidney was going failure without kidney disaylas ( cannot spelling that one of kidney need feed in your vein.) she is getting better after resigned her job but she will go back to work until she is getting better. she have child support with her two daughter. she say it is hard to support herself when she is sick.. her daughter is really close her mother. I thought Wow. It is not easy.. Everyone helped her alot. It is postive attuide ..
For me I might be need SSDI for health reason. Retirement is one of most common people.
That’s different!
Margaret
Here is http://deafness.about.com
“Deaf Helped or Hurt by SSDI?Deaf Helped or Hurt by SSDI?” by Jamie Berke
Margaret
I don’t mind Deaf people getting SSDI; That tells me they’ve worked and for whatever reason, are no longer working. However, for Deaf people getting SSI, I’m not so sure, but I refuse to be judgemental about it. I do encourage SSI recipients to find work, as I know how much of a dead end those SSI situations can become.
However, the bigger issue, as some commentators have hinted, is the sustainability of the Social Security fund and the public’s willingness to fund discretionary programs like SSI. It could be very well conceivable that some support for Deaf people in drawing SSI/SSDI benefits could be severely curtailed, if not cut off altogether.
Now, if that happens, then those Deaf recipients better be ‘job-ready’ and do what’s needed to secure their livelihoods, despite the difficult job climate. Personally, I hope the doomsay scenario never happens.
Here’s my take.
I’m an university student (at Gallaudet, obviously!), and I do get SSI. However, I work - part time jobs, yes, but I do work. I also don’t use my SSI money for drinking and/or partying. I care about my grades and work hard to get a good education.
However, don’t paint me as perfect or even 100% productive with money. I’ll admit that sometimes I do use SSI money for “fun expenses” and that I feel guilty at times because I know I’m taking advantage of the government when I do that.
I think it’s okay to get SSI as long as you don’t really abuse it, and you use the money somewhat wisely. I plan to cut off SSI when I graduate and find a job in the real working world (not at a Deaf campus, mind you!).
In conclusion for defining SSI, my mother called SSI “a double-edged sword.” SSI can be really good for you (getting you back on track financially), but it also can be bad for you (making you lazy, feeling entilied to things, etc). I also don’t think we should look down on those who leech or abuse SSI funds - instead, we should look down on the SSI administration, for not putting tighter provosions on SSI use.
Just my two cents.
Andrew :)
Excuse me. Those 2 cents are mine. I paid the taxes that give you the SSI check.
Give me one good reason why you should be getting SSI. Obviously you are bright and can work. Save me the alas, “I am deaf” crap. I am deaf too. “I am a poor student?” So are alot of people who are not deaf. I was one too, and yeah, I had to take out students loans and pay them off. What is this “get back on track” baloney people are spewing? How did you get off track? That’s your problem. Why should I pay for it?
Getting a little defensive, are we?
All I’m saying is that SSI can be a double edged sword, so be careful. SSI can be used when Deaf people lose their jobs and need a “safety nest” - that’s what I mean by getting on track.
I understand your concerns about having to pay taxes, though, but remember that there are many more stupid things that people have to pay tax money for - an example would be churches sponsored by local or state governments.
I think I already gave my reason above in my original post for getting SSI - to help with my college expenses, and at the same time, let me be worry-free with money.
I can understand your anger and feeling resentful towards those who really abuse the system. But, there’s no need to be so defensive and making me out to look kind of like the villan (”save me the alas, ‘I am deaf’ crap”). Just my free two cents.
-Andrew
Oh, by the way, the correct spelling is alias.
Just my free two cents
I think Deaf community in any of state. We are suffer since ADA law passed.
Today, most deaf was not able to find a job after 1990’s. It getting worsen and worsen. but Before that 1990’s was not established by ADA Law. No problem and hire deaf employee hired by their business. Today I applied so many time and never got a job for nearly one years. I am feel tired of being applied and contuine to take unemployment check .. but two more week left to go..l I cannot get SSDI after I did applied from last month ago and told me to wait to get check in December. I am totally stuck and I need money for medical and bills after unemployment check running out .. I BLAMED ADA law were mess up.
SS office never answer when I asked her question How much deaf applied for SSDI. They could not able to count it whole in USA???
My ears started more smoked and **&^%$#! about not able to find extra money. SS sometime sucker and sometime it is good. Nikki seem not understand about employment and ADA. I have two teenager girls. the reason why I am worry about money money and medical bills piled up.
Margaret
Actually, what you are saying Margaret is incorrect. More and more deaf/hoh are finding jobs and retaining more than ever.
We have more deaf laywers. More deaf people in professional earth science. We even have dentists who are deaf. Even doctors. We have more deaf people opening up their own businesses and hiring more deaf people. And so on. A simple Google check can easily verify these statistics.
The ADA law has helped provide better communication access to make communication easier.
I hope you do find a good job. Everybody goes through this applying for jobs and get rejected until they finally do get a job.
correction:
“..and retaining them more than ever.”
Have you compared to http://www.seekgeo.com about ADA and Why the deafies can’t find a job.
Go looking at. I was surprised!!!
Margaret
Here is seekgeo.com and watch vlog of his project. he is WONDERFUL!
http://www.seekgeo.com/?p=130 and here is title of Seekgeo is “Why Some Deafies Unable To Get A Job”
http://www.seekgeo.com/?p=175
My Experience With ADA
It doesn’t mean I am 100% accurate information and you need to compare one of three issues. The reason why I am not able to find a job almost a years. because of my age discrimination. That is big difference?
Look at poll from seekgeo.com
Poll: Job Application
Sunday, April 22nd, 2007
Completed Votes:
Deaf - 50%
None - 32%
H.I. - 12%
HoH - 4%
Other - 1%
My friend’s husband could not find a job and lives in Seattle. he found a job in DC. so he stayed with friend for long time as roommie in VA and his family and his wife have a job and raise kids without her husband. The reason why I notice VA and DC have a best select of jobs alot over there. but not in West Coast.
My pleasure to feedback with you and other. Listen of your comment. I know SSDI is good in some way and some way it is not good. Just our delate of disagree or agreement. I love the respected with your comment. Not good in West Coast are not familiar with ADA law.. Eastern possible accurate good ADA Law. I have no idea if it is true. but Compare.
ILY,
Margaret
Alas, as in “Woe is me! I am deaf!” crap, NOT alias.
To help with college expenses - work more hours or get a student loan. Very few students - and non-students for that matter - have the luxury of being “worry free with money.” I shouldn’t have to pay for that luxury of yours. So yes, I do view you as one of those who abuses the system if you are getting your check just so you will be “worry free with money”.
I don’t know what to say, other than that you really seem very bitter and you seem to be taking it out on me.
I can’t argue against you because it’s true: we Deaf people DO abuse SSI at times. But, hearing people abuse their own “freebies” too. Nobody is perfect. What’s important is that we’re good people above it all.
Thanks.
SSI/SSDI are not easily abused! seriously. Besides, being on SSI, one does not get a lot! it’s very limted to live on. On the other hand, SSDI (not ssi)depends on how much work history you have and how much money you earned during that period so….the person getting SSDI must have doctor’s evaluation showing that a person is truly disabled. No more just “deaf” is qualifiable..it has to be more than that. And anyone who worked for years then get SSDI has already paid their taxes these years. SSI is not based on work history. These two are different and the requirement are different. I suppose if one reports Bryan to SSA, they will say, we’ll look into it again but probably will reach the same conclusion as they did the first time. Just be glad you have a job and earn more plus benefits. That is something that Bryan does not have.
You need to click on http://www.seekgeo.com and click Why deafie could not able to find a jobs.
Last June I read the deaf person It’s looking like girl.. not sure if it was female about SSI. READ it and please read ADA under website is http://www.seekgeo.com .
Encourage you to read these comment from Seekgeo. That’s what the person made me so annoyed most of time since June. but Good for use emergency back up.. but not forever and Read the Seekgeo. Click TOP FOUR POSTS
Think about it. And also how much percent of put down on job applications on your deafness or just keep secret til job interview? Which most percent deaf always put their job applications. Check after that.
Lazy Deafie Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I spell cant, not want work, SSI i love. Lay Deafies rock. Hearing people righ. We suck!
Margaret from Seattle, WA Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Lazy Deafie,
I was shock and speechless and surprised you don’t work for long time?
Social Security check you will loose money when someday Social Security system are big trouble and alot of owing. You don’t do anything nothing?
You might be trouble someday
I rather not take a SSDI or SSI or SSA. I think Job is part of fun and learning. Challegne is the part of whole my life since I started worked Us Forest Service and Deaf school. Since I was 16 I earned $ what we are comfortable first.
if you learn alot of value of working and earning value are helpful than the fake check.
I earned a check are goldie and investment are also inculding. SSI doesnt work well for the future in .. I would say 50 to 100 years. Social Security will be BOIL AND TROUBLE!
I am still looking for a job since I lost my job I dont quiet complained.. but Deaf and any handicapped of hearing people are more suffered.
Lazy Deafie,you peabrain!
Margaret
Sincerly,
Margaret
Forgive me!! I am not popular writer and know some of you dont like me a quiet very much!
….Again, you need to check in April 22nd 2007 of http://www.seekgeo.com and click Poll: Job Application. It was shocked for me that I cannot understand about percents. I encourage you to looking varitiy comment from Seekgeo.com.. Find a interest about percent. It was very confusion for deaf community in USA.
Margaret
We should banish SSI/SSDI and lump it in the general welfare system and increase requirements to just apply let alone receive. Welfare is to be received in a form of voucher to use in buying generic-brand name stuff at state-run marketplaces. Certainly, no more brand names. Especially, no more of those alcohol and drugs bought with SSI/SSDI/Welfare money. This can work no matter what your political leanings are nowadays! This is about ethical principles, not B.S. partisan politics. Trust me, I had deaf Democrats, Republicans and whatever agreeing with me here.
I think DC people have a different perspective than I do. Maybe down in Washington life is heaven with all the deaf-friendly places available to find work. Up here in New York I see people struggle for months to find jobs. The discrimination is so heavy these days and compounded daily with the problem that the economy sucks and hearing people can’t find jobs either… and when you go to the store and see that milk and oj are almost $5 a gallon the $666 monthly most deaf people get from SSI is not… it helps you survive, especially if you have a little savings and a parent or friend can cover your health insurance (medicaid takes money out of that 666) but not much else. (Now imagine competing with better dressed, less-stressed, better fed hearing people for jobs.) Is DC such an easy place to find work? Should I tell my friends at work centers here to bus deaf people down to Washington?
Joe,
I lived in NYC for a while. Yes, things are very different up there, and I definitely understand your frustration. I think that the deaf immigrant population there is a lot higher than it is here, and that likely has a lot to do with the job situation.
I’m not going to try to talk about the service organizations that I know you work with. But I will say this — as a deaf person who grew up in the DC area and who lived in NYC for a while — NYC provides a lot more community support services to the deaf community than DC organizations do. For example, HousingWorks. I’ve never heard of an equivalent down here in DC.
Also, the $ distribution of SSI varies from location to location, depending on cost of living. I’m willing to bet that $666 you quoted is actually more than the average amount that DC deafies on SSI/SSDI get. If I’m wrong, I’ll be the first person to jump over to your side and complain.
The job market in NYC is abysmal. That’s a fact. The other fact — the federal government DOES employ quite a number of persons with disabilities, including deaf individuals. I certainly don’t blame deaf people for wanting to move here to get a “better” life. We’ve got a great deaf community here, access to a wide variety of jobs, and more politics than you could ever want… ;-)
Cheers from a friend.
“The job market in NYC is abysmal”???
Many companies are begging for more skilled workers. The unemployment rate is very low.
Another friend: The unemployment rate is very low among the HEARING population. I won’t be surprised to see a HIGH unemployment rate in New York City among the Deaf population.
I know because I used to work for an agency in New York. I have encountered a lot of deaf people being frustrated with the corporate walls that prevented them from getting a decent job.
So yes, the job market in NYC is abysmal when it comes to Deaf people.
I’m sick of poeple like you being picky with words.
R-
Nice to see you, “friend”… but I don’t work in social services. Not anymore. Too fing depressing and no help out there anymore.
HousingWorks closed their deaf services program, almost a year ago. No money. It had no employment services anyway, and didn’t help homeless deaf with emergency housing, because their buildings aren’t “equipped for deaf people.”
New York Society for the Deaf is gone. No money.
Only services left are through Lexington vocational. I have a friend who’s been going there daily for three years with no luck. PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO HIRE DEAF PEOPLE OR PAY FOR INTERPRETERS. Unless you go with a hearing employment agency, which often won’t provide interpreters or only cheapass ones. And they place the hearies first.
As for the whole “skilled workers” thing - they still have to pay for terps, and they don’t want to.
As for NYC crying out for skilled workers - funny. I passed by a job placement office today. The line was three blocks long.
P.S. You’re right about SSI. It’s $623 a month now - my bad. (check Wikipedia.)
Joe,
Three blocks long? Do you get a good look at them? Are they white-collered educated Caucasians?
Interesting issue! I do get SSI when I was in college, guess what, I pay back 2500.00 with no complain. Been work for 30 years as graphic artist/printer/art director, boom lay off due to WTC 9/11. So look for another jobs, found some, pay suck, not many want me to work cuz company want single, young, willing work overtime (graphic art work always meet pressure deadline) but me, married have twins want work 8 to 5, no overtime, am over 50 dont have much energy (save energy for kids), so got SSDI plus my kids get SSI (kids not deaf, hummmm) interesting??? anyway, also work as freelance (my own flexable time) Deaf interpreter that Federal allow me earn no more than 840 per month according to Government policy. If over, will cut. So my job are seasonly freelance worke. Daycare-too much money for twins also dont trust daycare workers. without SSI/SSDI-crime will go up and prison cost more than 2000.00 per prisoner per month that Government has to pay. So better get SSDI or SSI (with a very good reason) to help other business running.