Knocking the safety net
People don't understand the social programs
When it comes to government funded social programs some people get very critical. They have this nasty habit of knocking down the idea that government should do anything to help those who are not well off. That providing safety net programs is a waste of tax payer money. That people are abusing the system who don’t really need to be on it. Most of these critics don’t fully understand what it means to live on these programs. Let alone how strict the rules actually are. Many of us living on them are in constant fear that if we just sneeze wrong we could lose our very independence.
Many programs, such as SSI, have very strict limits on what people can own and be considered assets. Or how much money you are allowed to keep in the bank. In fact those rules can cause problems because it means you cannot really save up for critical items down the road. Working while on those programs is not always a good idea. Because if you make too much money you could easily be cut off. Or worse make you repay any money they feel you owe them. Often times taking years to pay off. It means that you are forced to live at a level that is borderline poverty with no easy way to get a head. Since health insurance is often tied into benefits. Losing one means you lose it all.
Marriage isn’t even an option for us either. Current rules don’t give much consideration and the amount of money and assets are not much more if you were living the single life. You run into that same problem where making the wrong choice could put everything at risk. You and your spouse could easily lose it all.
The other challenge in all of this is that people do make broad assumptions when they see people. What people see as being able may not see the hidden challenges we struggle with. A rush to assume we can function when the reality is we are holding on for dear life.
The reality is people do not understand what it means to rely on these programs. They feel that it is money wasted. However before you decide the need to put someone down for being on them. Take a moment to try and understand things. These programs are hard to get on and easy to lose. It is not as simple as most make it out to be. -
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