After 47 years in the work force, the last 30 as a paralegal in a law firm, I retired in 2017. I turned 65 six months later, so I did not start Medicare until then. I had not had health insurance for a year because I could not afford Obamacare. The premiums were higher than my house payment.
Eleven years ago, as part of my retirement plan, I thought I could help folks who were trying to get Social Security Disability. I studied, became certified through a national paralegal association and began to work. Little did I know that a disability claimant often has to wait two-and-a-half to three years for a hearing. Forget making any money for retirement with this endeavor! In fact, unlike attorneys, I help people file their applications and often am not paid.
The people I help need the disability, but the Social Security Administration website seems to be designed for the claimant to fail. (Remember, this is the money you, as a claimant, pay in all the years you work.) This “retirement” plan is a ministry now.
I’m on my aunt’s power of attorney. She has dementia and is in a memory care unit. The cost is $5,600 per month. She has been in the home for 18 months. I have almost used all her money to pay her fees.
My uncle was a Korean War veteran. I applied for spouse’s benefits a year ago, which would be a help to my aunt, of around $1,200 a month. The people in the local Veterans office are wonderful. They aren’t the problem. Her file has been up the Veterans pension chain somewhere for a year marked “decision pending.” She’s 84. She can’t wait for it to “pend” much longer.
Our government has not been working for “we, the people” for quite some time. Mostly, it’s been working for “we, the politicians.” We are in a mess! There is no answer for our nation but to pray.
