Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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I’m on disability for being blind. I got married and the government took half my check is this fair???? (self.Blind)
submitted by 4everblindJD
I’m blind and I am on disability because no one will hire me. I used to make $800 a month but when I got married the government cut me down to $500 a month and I don’t think it’s right. So me and my family stayed a YouTube channel family vlog called Blinded love Dorsey family vlog y’all can check it out if you like. We started this YouTube channel to hopefully bring in a little extra income but now we just found out if I make any extra income the government will take more of my check away. Do you really think this is fair. So I’m really grow my channel so I will not need disability anymore.
4everblindJD [OP] 16 points 2y ago
I really wish I could get a job so I don’t have to live on disability but if someone does hire me I lose my disability check if something happens and I lose the the job or get fired I have no income at all. Then it could be years before I get back on disability because the government sees that I had a job so just figure I can work so it’s a tough situation
MostlyBlindGamer 17 points 2y ago
I once heard of a case of a single mother on unemployment who didn't take a job, because she'd be making about the same and then would have to pay for transportation, daycare and, at least, lunch.
She wasn't lazy, she wasn't dumb, she did want to work. She just had a kid to take care and did the math. The system just wasn't on her side.
There are systemic issues with the way welfare is designed.
She wasn't lazy, she wasn't dumb, she did want to work. She just had a kid to take care and did the math. The system just wasn't on her side.
There are systemic issues with the way welfare is designed.
4everblindJD [OP] 5 points 2y ago
Yeah you so right it is so confusing and if call any one at the government office you get a different answer from everyone you talk to.
MostlyBlindGamer 4 points 2y ago
Yup. Have you considered talking to an attorney or a local organization to help you navigate your local laws and regulations?
Like I said, this situation makes sense, within the system, so you're not likely to get anywhere, but you can always get more information. You never know.
Like I said, this situation makes sense, within the system, so you're not likely to get anywhere, but you can always get more information. You never know.
e_navarro 2 points 2y ago
My intention here is not to be divisive or political BUT I do want to point out that many of the social program restrictions that we see here in the US are implemented by republican politicians that view any type of government assistances as a hand out. Take the current Covid situation, an extra $600 a week in unemployment to keep people afloat during a global crisis was “too generous” and would encourage laziness. Ridiculous. The US has gloated for years about being a first world country, shouldn’t they act like one and want to provide a social safety net to help people in need. Aren’t politicians public servants and shouldn’t we vote for people that look out for us? They certainly don’t mind bailing out Wall Street, big corporations and even farmers, but someone who might truly need a hand up is seen as a drain in the system. I’d love to hear from folks in Europe who don’t alway frown on social programs.
MostlyBlindGamer 1 points 2y ago
I'd say you're obviously correct.
I can tell you paying more taxes, but having my and everybody else's healthcare and more taken care of makes a lot of sense to me.
I can tell you paying more taxes, but having my and everybody else's healthcare and more taken care of makes a lot of sense to me.
dunktheball 9 points 2y ago
They're "supposed" to let you do some sort of quick file where you can get it back quickly if you lose the income within a short amount of time, but the whole system is confusing. Seems like I read you don't have to fill anything out again.
blindbat84 5 points 2y ago
If you are on SSDI you can still work and make so much a month before you lose SSDI. I'm on SSI myself and it is far more restricted sadly. I would rather have a full time job because living on 783 a month is the equivilent of working 40 hours a week for about 4.12 an hour.
4everblindJD [OP] 3 points 2y ago
I tried to find out about how to work and still collect my check but but no one can tell me how much I can make before they cut my check and I would love to have a full time job but no one around here will hire me trust me I have tried I even went to college and graduated with a degree so now I’m just going to try this YouTube thing
blindbat84 2 points 2y ago
You can find part of the info online. Also if you end up doing well and actually making money on Youtube it is still income and will need to be reported.
MostlyBlindGamer 12 points 2y ago
Frankly, the way government aids are generally set up, if you can make enough money from your own venture, it does make sense that you wouldn't need as much from the government.
The logic is similar for the original cut: you no longer have to survive on your own; you can share expenses with your spouse.
That being said, is it fair that anybody has to go file anything in order to afford food? Not really, no. I feel you.
The logic is similar for the original cut: you no longer have to survive on your own; you can share expenses with your spouse.
That being said, is it fair that anybody has to go file anything in order to afford food? Not really, no. I feel you.
LibraryGeek 2 points 2y ago
I doubt that is the thinking that went into this policy or they didn't think it through very well. If two people marry, and both are on SSI, one person loses their SSI. 2 people need more money than 1 person to live off of. Sure you share expenses, but you make more expenses too. It is not the case that 2 people can live the same quality of life off of one person's income, unless that income increases.
This policy has prevented many disabled people from being able to marry. They cannot even fall in love, because if the government finds out you are in a committed relationship (I've heard of instances where the couple did not live together) the government sees you in a "defacto marriage".
If I work, I have more expenses, not less. If my job is part time, removing that money from your check is a disincentive to working. If you work, you need work clothing, transportation, child care (if you have children), food you can take with you. That's just off the top of my head. Your expenses go up when you work. I'm not working and spend most of my time at home (even pre COVID) thanks to various disabilities and illnesses. I don't have to get a hair cut and can live in leggings, but if I'm was even looking for work, I do need things like a haircut and professional clothing.
I have private disability and it is so strict that when I tried working a virtual job that paid me like $50/week, they took out that $200 from my check. I'm not allowed to increase my income at all. SSDI does allow you to make a small amount per month without losing money. That incentives you to work and maybe work your way into a permanent position.
This policy has prevented many disabled people from being able to marry. They cannot even fall in love, because if the government finds out you are in a committed relationship (I've heard of instances where the couple did not live together) the government sees you in a "defacto marriage".
If I work, I have more expenses, not less. If my job is part time, removing that money from your check is a disincentive to working. If you work, you need work clothing, transportation, child care (if you have children), food you can take with you. That's just off the top of my head. Your expenses go up when you work. I'm not working and spend most of my time at home (even pre COVID) thanks to various disabilities and illnesses. I don't have to get a hair cut and can live in leggings, but if I'm was even looking for work, I do need things like a haircut and professional clothing.
I have private disability and it is so strict that when I tried working a virtual job that paid me like $50/week, they took out that $200 from my check. I'm not allowed to increase my income at all. SSDI does allow you to make a small amount per month without losing money. That incentives you to work and maybe work your way into a permanent position.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 2y ago
I made some of those same points in another comment. It's clear the system isn't as fair or even as effective as it should be.
I was pointing out how I understand this situation, given the system as it stands.
I was pointing out how I understand this situation, given the system as it stands.
yourmommaisaunicorn 9 points 2y ago
The amount the government gives on any social security is based on household income. It’s why a lot of kids who live in multi-generation households are in poverty—because even though Grandma on her own would get SS, since she lives with her son and his kids she doesn’t get the money. Now it’s up to the son to support not only his family but now also his mom.
Only exception to this is some Medicare plan and some disability services that are not tied to household income but on age and severity of disability.
If you can, you should reach out to your caseworker at your local social security office and see what services are based on individual income.
Also no worries about your YouTube account. It is incredibly difficult to make over $500 (when YouTube has to report your earnings) off any social media activity. It generally takes 3 years to get $10, and YouTube changed the payment scheme to now only the top accounts get any ad revenue.
Only exception to this is some Medicare plan and some disability services that are not tied to household income but on age and severity of disability.
If you can, you should reach out to your caseworker at your local social security office and see what services are based on individual income.
Also no worries about your YouTube account. It is incredibly difficult to make over $500 (when YouTube has to report your earnings) off any social media activity. It generally takes 3 years to get $10, and YouTube changed the payment scheme to now only the top accounts get any ad revenue.
baistei 2 points 2y ago
You must be on ssi and not disability. I was on ssi for years but always worked low paying part time jobs when I could manage. After 6 or 7 years of working, I finally paid enough in to get switched to ssdi. Rules are very different for each program but they're all corrupt for sure. It sucks. It's not meant for anyone to get ahead but instead to barely survive.
JMMSpartan91 2 points 2y ago
I lost all of mine and my insurance. When my wife's job did not offer it either so we had to pay for that too.
Basically net lose of $1400. Ouch.
Basically net lose of $1400. Ouch.
_bassJunkie 2 points 2y ago
Wow, this is universal and can relate even for my country. They were gonna cut my benefit by over 2/3 when my girlfriend (yes girlfriend, not married!) was moving in. I thought na fuck that that’s bullshit. Glad that I’m coming out of this backward, discriminatory system that takes away the little independence we have.
AtriceMC 2 points 2y ago
This is why my husband and I decided not to get legally married. We need our money.
blindbat84 3 points 2y ago
Have heard that SSA will still count it as married in some cases. This happened to a friend. At one point she owed them back because while she and her hubby didn't get legally married, I guess it still counted as such and they didn't report it. When they did they got stuck back paying even though they had only gotten symbolically married, not licensed married: Can't speak for all the details but yeah.
AtriceMC 3 points 2y ago
We actually both have a payee company who helps us with SSI and all their BS. So worth it. They are on our side. If SSI tries to take our money they step in and get them to back off and actually got us more money in the process. They also help us pay bills and all that fun stuff.
4everblindJD [OP] 2 points 2y ago
taversham 2 points 2y ago
We $1 in the UK. It really sucks.
TwoSunsRise 1 points 2y ago
Unfortunately I know way too much about this topic. You need to be on SSDI. If you are on that, your spouse could make a million dollars a year and you would still get a check. Also, you could work and make up to $1,900 a month and still get a check. VI people get way more leniency when it comes to SSDI income cut off amounts. All other disabilities can only make like $700 or something low like that. You may be on SSI but if your VI status is permanent, you need to start the process of switching over to SSDI.
Ant5477 1 points 2y ago
I’ve heard of that being the case before
Itialiannetta 1 points 2y ago
This is the reason my fiance,who is blind
,and myself after 10 years together can't afford to get married,we need both of our income. He has the hardest time finding any work and it's hard for us. Good luck.
,and myself after 10 years together can't afford to get married,we need both of our income. He has the hardest time finding any work and it's hard for us. Good luck.
Silverottawa 1 points 2y ago
Are in the US or Canada?
lizzyb187 1 points 2y ago
Unfortunately the only way to make it work financially is to get divorced and say you guys are roommates. My 'husband' and I never actually got married because it will take away my ability to get benefits if I need it again. We are unable to get married and we have to be very careful when I fill out paperwork to say that I have a roommate we do not share anything. someone who's really speaking out about this is a YouTube channel called squirmy and grubs. He is disabled physically and can see but this is a huge problem for them and they're talking about it openly
TheChangelingPrince 1 points 2y ago
It’s definitely not fair and I wish i had some advice to offer. If you do try to take this up with social security, just know that it will take years before a some kind of resolution.
I got kicked off of disability mistakenly because social security didn’t think that I was blind - which is why I was on disability to begin with. It’s been a year and a half now, after having filed a new claim and request for reconsideration, and I still haven’t been put back on benefits.
So, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you do. I’m sorry this happened.
I got kicked off of disability mistakenly because social security didn’t think that I was blind - which is why I was on disability to begin with. It’s been a year and a half now, after having filed a new claim and request for reconsideration, and I still haven’t been put back on benefits.
So, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you do. I’m sorry this happened.
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