Up First from NPR Trapped in a Social Safety Net
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Dec 8, 2024 
Joseph Shapiro, an NPR correspondent, dives into the flaws of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, designed to support the disabled and elderly. He reveals how outdated regulations trap beneficiaries, penalizing them for attempting to improve their lives. Shapiro shares personal stories of struggles with asset limits and the emotional toll on relationships, showcasing how the system hinders independence. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for reform to create a more effective safety net for those in need.
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Trapped by the Asset Limit
- A man in Illinois felt trapped in his rundown apartment but couldn't save for a new one.
- Social Security threatened to remove him from SSI if he exceeded the $2,000 asset limit.
Loan Counted as Asset
- A family's roof collapsed, and they took a small loan from a friend.
- Social Security counted the loan as an asset, causing the family to lose SSI benefits for their disabled son.
Timeshare Trouble
- Peter Belletti, a disabled truck driver, was repeatedly denied SSI because he owned a timeshare.
- The timeshare was worthless and unsellable, but it still counted against the asset limit.