With the economy in turmoil, and government budgets receiving scrutiny at many levels, it seems that stories regarding Social Security are all about the money. The Social Security Administration provides benefits that are a part of the social safety net in this country. Beneficiaries seek benefits to meet basic needs.

One Social Security beneficiary recently spoke to a reporter and reflected on his life. The man receives SSA benefits, including a monthly disability benefits check that helps him to get by-simple things, like paying rent, putting food on the table. His cellphone is behind and he is waiting for his next check to have the device reactivated. His story of disability dates back to 1971. Back then, he was a sous chef at a prominent hotel and resort. He was living on top of the world.

He began to notice something small, a feeling in his little pinkie. The slight movements and tingles moved up to his wrist-then his arm. Sometime later he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a condition that is included on the Social Security Administration's listing of impairments.

The man still has dreams. One of his hobbies is painting. He likes to paint landscapes of distant farmhouses. Teaching painting and culinary arts, with his background, are things the man would like to accomplish. Recently, he received an implant that sends signals to his brain to help control his Parkinson's.

He still has to work hard to walk, however. He says that he has found a way to do it, though it takes time. He steadies himself with a cane, or a piece of household furniture, and counts to 10. That allows him to take a few steps. Then he stops to refocus and start the process over again. Recently, he took a walk for a quarter mile.

He says he still has a lot of things to accomplish. While his disability checks do not give him the lifestyle that he had as the young man who was living on top of the world before he became disabled, the checks from our social safety net help him to get by.

No, it is not all about the money, but it may very well be about the dignity that we Americans created the social safety net and Social Security benefits to maintain.

Source: Casa Grande Dispatch, "Living and learning with Parkinson's," Bill Coates, Jan. 27, 2012