SSI Reductions Begin Next Month (Los Angeles: credit, how much, income)

[NewToCA]

SSI benefits for the elderly and disabled will be cut for California residents beginning next month. The benefits will be reduced from $907 to $870 per month, basically negating the federal Social Security cost of living increase the disabled received January 1st.

So basically, California is stealing the increase provided by the federal government. The increase wasn't provided by California at all, yet they are stealing this money from the disabled.

What a disgrace.


http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_11684781

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

SSI benefits for the elderly and disabled will be cut for California residents beginning next month. The benefits will be reduced from $907 to $870 per month, basically negating the federal Social Security cost of living increase the disabled received January 1st.

So basically, California is stealing the increase provided by the federal government. The increase wasn't provided by California at all, yet they are stealing this money from the disabled.

What a disgrace.

Slow down, NTC. The state has no say over the SSI benefits. However, for decades it has been adding to them through a wholly state funded benefit called the State Supplementary Program or SSP. It's the latter that may be or will be cut because the state can no longer afford the largesse it's been providing for years.

The state is "stealing" nothing. It's simply readjusting during a recession. What a strange concept -- to tighten its belt!

[NewToCA]

Sure it is, it didn't increase the State Supplementary Program for the past couple of years, and the reduced amount equals the increase in federal SSI this past January.

Other states which don't provide a supplemental benefit provide other benefits such as food stamps and utility credits in lieu of these cash payments. California provides neither.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Sure it is, it didn't increase the State Supplementary Program for the past couple of years, and the reduced amount equals the increase in federal SSI this past January.

Other states which don't provide a supplemental benefit provide other benefits such as food stamps and utility credits in lieu of these cash payments. California provides neither.

So what part of "Multi-Billion $ Deficit" are you having trouble wrapping your mind around? By the same token, how much of your income are you willing to do without so others who have little or none can enjoy the fruits of your labors?

As a recently retired state senior manager with 25 years of service I've been through more than my fair share of furloughs, stagnant wages and take-aways. Pardon me if I intend to enjoy what I've worked hard for, as does my also retired wife, and won't feel guilty one bit taking our dollars and investments to another state in order to maximize them.

Amazingly enough, we have a total of seven adult children, all of whom are gainfully employed and independent of government handouts. And I'm a wacked-out '60s and '70s vet who managed to maintain and advance in a decent career. What a concept.

Sorry, NTC. I spent most of my career in the health and human services arena, as did my wife, but the reality is that the state is out of money. Look to the Legislature, not the "State" for the current financial ills. Then look to those who keep re-electing the same, profligate "representatives" session after session. Here's a prime example for you. Cedillo reports that his campaign donors bankroll lavish meals, travel and shopping - Los Angeles Times

PS. Food stamps are also a federal benefit, not a state one.

[Ultrarunner]

Employer implemented 10% across the board cuts and benefit reductions initiated in 2008 are now permanent.

Nobody likes cut or reductions... at least we are all in this together for the most part.... just about everyone I know is being asked to do with less.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Ultrarunner

Employer implemented 10% across the board cuts and benefit reductions initiated in 2008 are now permanent.

Nobody likes cut or reductions... at least we are all in this together for the most part.... just about everyone I know is being asked to do with less.

You have that right. Perhaps it's not such a bad thing.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by Ultrarunner

Employer implemented 10% across the board cuts and benefit reductions initiated in 2008 are now permanent.

Nobody likes cut or reductions... at least we are all in this together for the most part.... just about everyone I know is being asked to do with less.

Reduction of $37 per month is a reduction of 16% for the handicapped folks, on a base of $233.

The California program precludes participation in the federal food stamp program:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11125.html

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Reduction of $37 per month is a reduction of 16% for the handicapped folks, on a base of $233.

Yes. And it's lamentable. What's the alternative? Everyone's feeling the pinch. The line has to be drawn somewhere.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Yes. And it's lamentable. What's the alternative? Everyone's feeling the pinch. The line has to be drawn somewhere.

They basically took the federal increase, the amount of payment increase from January 1st of this year. The state did not increase their share, so what they basically did was take the 2009 federal increase from the SSI recipients.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Sure it is, it didn't increase the State Supplementary Program for the past couple of years, and the reduced amount equals the increase in federal SSI this past January.

Other states which don't provide a supplemental benefit provide other benefits such as food stamps and utility credits in lieu of these cash payments. California provides neither.

sorry, I have to agree with Curmudgeon, the state is not actually taking away any part of the federal SS raises we got last year. If they cut your supplementary payments, that has nothing to do with our federal increases. You can still apply for food stamps if you are living or trying to live on $800 plus a month. I take it you are alone.

Obviously for those of us who are trying to makes ends meet on small retirements, only SS or whatever times are rally tough, but others have said it best: they worked hard for their money, worked for companies that offered retirement programs and are not living on SS alone. If you are, of course it hurts. Truthfully, if all you have is your SS money Ca certainly isn't the place to be living.

Nita