The 1.2 million Californians impacted by the 2009 cuts to the SSI/SSP program are older adults and people with disabilities. Since poverty disproportionately affects women and people of color, the suffering caused by these cuts also disproportionately affects women and people of color.
Their stories are all different. Many are women who worked at home taking care of their families, rather than participating in the labor market. Many are people who became disabled due to an accident or disease. One thing they all have in common is the impossible choices they must make every day—between food and medicine, heat and transportation, health care and rent.
“Everything I buy is more expensive than before. Stores are trying to recoup the loss during this pandemic. I cry almost every day because of how poor I am and feel. I worked all my life now I’m 60 and disabled. I used to give to the needy whenever I could. I would volunteer. And now I can’t do any of those things anymore and it hurts my heart. I used to go to the movies on senior day and can’t do that anymore, I just sit at home with the remote just wasting away. SSI needs to increase the benefits they give us. It’s a shame. I talk to God every single day. I know he hears me. Maybe I’m praying wrong. I’m just getting tired of living this way.”
“We who are trying to struggle on SSI and sharing this story with our legislators who have the power to change it, because we are being continually sent to the bottom rung of the ladder with no real explanation except “I’d like to help you, BUT...“ If they were forced to live as we live for any length of time, then they would be demonstrating a breathtaking level of hypocrisy to act like there are other more important issues - we are human beings and in the most dire circumstances. Who are they saying rates more funding? It becomes a question not of finances but of inhumanity. What priorities continually put seniors, blind and disabled last? The increased amounts aren’t significant enough to make a difference. They will have us caught in a bind of not wanting to be ungrateful, but if we are to be honest, all the increases combined since 2009 have not caught us up to any of the raises of cost of living. We’re trying to keep afloat waiting for a ship to rescue us but with just $10 we are still going to drown. ”
“During the rise of COVID, living on SSI income has been an emotional rollercoaster because of the uncertainty to pay my bills on time. The food costs at the store has been rising more than I can afford. PG&E costs have increased since I have been sheltering in place at home due to my pre-existing conditions and disability. Once again, my rent has increased this month, like every year but my SSI income has stayed the same despite the rising costs of living. This golden stimulus check would make a big difference in my life. I know it is not going to fix my problem with my finances but it will give me an opportunity to catch up on some bills that I have been struggling to pay. Step in my shoes and everyone else on SSI to see what we are going though to survive this pandemic. If we were your family, what action would you take to protect us?”
“I have diabetes, COPD, psoriasis, and I am a two-time cancer survivor. I worked as a teacher for much of my life, despite struggling with asthma. I have to stay in because of COVID. I struggle with expenses under normal circumstances. Then my caregiver had a positive COVID test. I had to order in food and pet supplies. I have problems with my colon that require lots of fruits and veggies. Getting those is always expensive. I need a daily shake and ordering those costs $7 a day. I was extremely glad that she was only gone for 14 days. Even in ordinary times it is hard to pay all of the bills. ”
“I used to be able to walk or get a ride from a family member or friend to obtain my necessities. Now, I must get them delivered, including groceries, medicine, and hygiene related products. It is challenging to go out and am wary of being too close to others who may or may not be wearing a mask, which I cannot see. I must pay for these extra services and precautions as well as more cleaning supplies and PPE. Utility bills have also gone up because we are home more. I was struggling to make ends meet living just on SSI before the pandemic. These conditions have made it harder for everyone, including those with disabilities. ”