Thank you. People often confuse Disability and SSI. Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is only available to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and became disabled through illness accident, or other causes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Is available to anyone who can qualify because of their inability to EARN ENOUGH income due, sometimes, to disabilities like mental illness, Physical birth defects, etc. It is meant to be "supplemental".
I collect SSDI because I was unable to return to work because of my physical conditions and complications. The amount is based on what you paid in to SS. It infuriates me when people lump those of us who became disabled with those who are collecting (or sponging) off the government. It's my money - I put it there.
People who qualify for SSI generally have a legitimate, documented reason. As taxpayers I see no reason that we should not be willing to help less fortunate people. And for the record, addiction counts as a covered mental illness.
Having said that it also infuriates me that some people are so easily able to take advantage of the SSI benefit, hold good jobs getting paid under the table, pay no taxes, drive nice SUV's, collect EBT and have the latest smart phones.
But you can't tell a drug addict to just quit it and get a job. It's not realistic. I have seen people work very hard to change their lives, get their children back, get a job and earn an income while collecting and taking courses, etc.
These 2 didn't even try AFAIK. And the family, well, it's broken.
MOO