A number of stories in the media have led to proposed probes into the social safety net provided by the Social Security investigation. This blog has reported several stories of such requests for an investigation. The truth of the matter is, as many applicants for Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income know, that gaining benefits can be grueling. The disability programs provided through the SSA are intended to help disabled Americans meet basic needs.

Clearly, SSDI benefits and the SSI program are not get rich quick schemes, but necessary programs that lawmakers have deemed as important for decades. Many low income and disabled Florida residents rely on Social Security benefits to cover rent and put food on the table. But the programs can, at times, have unexpected outcomes after a change in circumstances.

One couple outside of Florida had been seeing each other for several years. They each were social security beneficiaries. The woman received $674 each month in SSI benefits. The man was also on beneficiary of disability benefits from the SSA. Each suffers from bipolar disorder and the woman also suffers from seizures. The couple grew close and decided to marry in 2011.

Shortly after the change of circumstance, the woman received notice from the SSA that her SSI benefit was changed. Instead of the $674 that she relied on to make ends meet, her benefit dropped to $369 per month. She looked into the matter and apparently SSA told her that her marriage factored into the change of benefit. Her husband's SSDI check apparently remained the same, at $698 a month.

SSDI benefits are generally based upon the work history and prior earnings of a disabled worker. SSI benefits operate a bit differently as the program is set up for low income Americans. The SSI program is more of a needs-based program available for low income Americans who are blind, aged or disabled.

The woman learned that SSA re-evaluated her need after she became married and reduced her SSI benefit. The change followed a re-calculation based upon total household income, which after the couple married, includes her spouse's income. She is continuing to look into her options.

The social safety net may, at times, have the anomalous case in the media that raises eyebrows due to alleged fraud. But the vast majority of Social Security beneficiaries duly rely upon the important social safety net provided through the Social Security Administration's programs.

Source: Coeur d'Alene Press, "The cost of marriage," Alicia Warren, Feb. 6, 2012