The purpose of Social Security is to provide families with a safety net in the event they encounter hardships beyond their control, such as a disability, grow old, or death. Social Security is a family insurance program that has kept a number of individuals of the middle class and low income families from falling into poverty.
Although “over 5 million children in the United States benefit from Social Security,” they only represent 8% of the Social Security population, whereas retired workers and their spouses make up 68% (Cauthen, 2005, p. 1).
2. Do you support social security in its current form? Justify. If not, state what needs to change.
I do not support social security in its current form. I feel that changes are necessary in
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This could be their way of showing compassion to those who are less fortunate.
3. Explain the populations served by SSI and SSDI. How are they distinct? How do they overlap? For example, can you receive both? Does qualifying for one automatically qualify you for the other? Explain.
Social Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested program that provides service to individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled who have limited financial wealth. In order to be eligible for this program, one does not have to meet and particular work requirements; however, there are restrictions in place for those who exceed income and asset requirements. SSI recipients automatically qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Medicaid program if they live alone or with other SSI recipients (Moutla-Ali,
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However, because an individual qualifies for one that does not automatically qualify them for the other. For example, SSI requires recipients to apply for other benefits to include SSDI, whereas SSI does not have such requirements.
4. Based on the film, do you believe that wealth inequality is overstated? Justify.
Based on the film, I would have to disagree with Robert Lerman. Wealth inequality is not overstated. Mr. Lerman made a point to consider with social security benefits to include healthcare insurance as a source of wealth; however, according to last week’s class material everyone receives different forms of welfare. Therefore, I do not believe his sole focus should be on social security benefits and governmental healthcare programs. More research should be completed in efforts to focus more closely on how unequal the wealth distribution truly is in the United