The Social Security Disability (SSD) program, which is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), helps individuals who are too disabled to work by providing them with a source of income. To qualify for SSD benefits under the program, individuals must show that their disabilities have or will prevent them from working for at least a year. Often times, however, the biggest barrier to a person getting the benefits that he or she deserves is the person’s own pride. There is a large number of people who qualify for Social Security Disability but not to accept the benefit out of sheer pride, no matter how much they may actually need the funds.
If someone has a friend or family member in need of financial assistance because they are unable to work due to a disability, the person might wonder how to convince the person to apply for Social Security Disability without offending the loved one’s pride. Unfortunately, this is already a very sensitive topic, and dealing with someone who is full of pride will not make discussing the matter any easier. However, there are several arguments that can be made for why someone who may qualify for the benefit should look further into the SSD benefits system.
It is a System which Beneficiaries Pay Into
If a person worked in the United States at any point in time, then the person most likely paid into the Social Security Disability benefit system. This system is similar to an insurance plan that is maintained by and for the public. By collecting a little bit from every worker in the United States, anyone who pays into the system and who remained employed for a minimum amount of time is eligible to enjoy the benefits of the system should they ever develop a disability which prevents them from working.
Giving Money to People who Need it is Good for the Economy
When a person can’t work, that person can’t earn a wage. If that person can’t earn a wage, then that person can’t purchase basic goods and services. Giving people enough money to help with the essentials not only helps the person in financial need, but it also helps the businesses that SSD beneficiaries will purchase their basic goods and services from. An SSD beneficiary can make an even stronger impact by only purchasing from locally owned, small businesses in their communities.
In America, People Shouldn’t Have to Struggle for the Basics
Being unable to afford basic living essentials is something that shouldn’t happen in America. We are a nation that is supposed to care for our sick, provide for our poor, and feed our hungry. When a person is afflicted by a disability which prevents them from working for at least a year, that person, who has most likely spent years paying taxes to help sustain government operations, should not feel as if asking for disability benefits is like asking for a handout. The system is in place to help those who need it, and the only way the system can work is if those who need it take advantage of it.