Consider This from NPR A program to help the most vulnerable Americans keeps them in poverty instead
Jun 25, 2024
Joseph Shapiro, an NPR investigative correspondent, unpacks the flaws of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. He shares the story of a mother caring for her son with spina bifida, illustrating how bureaucratic rules trap families in poverty. Shapiro discusses the damaging $2,000 asset limit that hinders recipients from saving, revealing the emotional toll of navigating this outdated system. His insights urge for reforms that could empower vulnerable populations instead of keeping them in financial limbo.
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Valerie and Cortez
- Valerie Smith's son, Cortez, was born with spina bifida and wasn't expected to live long.
- Smith has been his caregiver for 29 years with help from SSI, using it for rent, food, and medical supplies.
SSI's Poverty Trap
- SSI, intended to be an anti-poverty program, traps recipients in poverty due to outdated rules.
- Issues like the $2,000 asset limit, unchanged since 1989, create significant challenges for recipients.
Overpayment and Deductions
- Social Security mistakenly overpaid Smith and, despite her repayment, continues to demand the money back.
- They are deducting $120 a month from Smith's son's check, highlighting the program's flawed system.