Some CA SSI Recipients Still Homeless

Obtaining Supplemental Security Income or disability benefits is usually a major boost to recipients who have spent months or years in the waiting period. Many applicants believe it will solve all their problems related to money, as they might be in danger of becoming homeless while they wait for their benefits to kick in.

Sadly, some disabled or elderly people who currently receive benefits from the SSA claim that their monthly income still does not cut it. According to California's Capital Public Radio, the state's budget crisis makes it nearly impossible for recipients of government money to live much better than they previously did without the payments.

In fact, some recipients claim that their monthly checks are hardly enough to purchase food. Many people who get SSI are even homeless, as evidenced by the fact that about one third of residents of the New Image Emergency Shelter in Los Angeles receive SSI checks. Every morning, the disabled and elderly that frequent the center are sent to an area with several food banks so that they can have at least one meal for the day. 

The increased number of people applying for SSI and disability benefits could have something to do with the struggle, but the state's budget cuts are also a major issue. The cuts will save over $700 million for this year, and were likely necessary. However, the more than one million residents who get SSI benefits have clearly been impacted negatively as a result.

One interesting detail is that California even adds to the SSI checks to offset the rather high cost of living in the state, and yet for many people, it is still not enough. Unfortunately, over half of the recipients of SSI in California are over age 55, which means their medical bills are usually substantial. Undoubtedly, California, like the rest of the country, is facing some issues that need to be cleared up before more disabled and elderly citizens are hungry and homeless.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.