Do those with entitlement mentalities drive you crazy?

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   collegedadposted 10 years ago

   Do those with entitlement mentalities drive you crazy?
   
   I had to chuckle when one of my relatives told me how the sequester is ruining her life. She's been on disability for years and has drawn her monthly checks from China, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica and various other countries. She works just enough each year to receive an earned income credit then leaves her children to be cared for by family. It's quite the racket. Recently her preschool closed early due to the sequester. She was livid as that was her free babysitter. How dare they inconvenience her! Drives me nuts to think that someone like this would get a dime of assistance.

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   LandmarkWealthposted 10 years ago

   it is infuriating.  But it's a growing problem.in this country.  The system is so abused it's pathetic.  When my father was a NYC court officer in the 70's and 80's he would routinely take custody of prisoners that had multiple id's and were collecting social service benefits like welfare payments and food statements under multiple identities.  It's far more widespread than most Americans realize.
   
   Just look at SSDI.  All of a sudden miraculously the enrollment in social security disability has nearly tripled in the last few years.   We now have 11 million legally disabled people on Federal disability.  Does anyone really believe the rate of disability mysteriously increased so rapidly or is it just abuse of the system.  I can tell you for a fact that Verizon actually has a service that they provide for free to their employees which is often used by those close to retirement to coach them on how to fill out the SSDI forms and get into the system. They have mastered how to paint nearly anyone as disabled based on what SSDI is looking for.   My guess it's because once their on SSDI, Medicare becomes their primary coverage and VZ is off the hook for medical care for those retirees they promised to provide for in retirement. Plus companies looking to downsize will get more voluntary attrition when they can transfer them to the gov't dole.  And those taking early buyouts in these companies are happy to collect SSDI at age 50 to make up for the reduced pension benefit.
   
   We have websites like these below that encourage new immigrants to get on social assistance as soon as they get here.  It's not about the land of opportunity and the pursuit of happiness anymore.  It's how can I get the other guy to pay for what I want.
   
   Welcome to  America...
   http://www.welcometousa.gov/Government_ … efault.htm

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      collegedadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the info LandmarkWealth. From what I've experiences SSDI wants you to apply and they make it easy..........too easy!

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      LandmarkWealthposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Wasn't always that way.  SSDI used to be really hard to qualify for.  There was a time when almost everybody got denied and had to appeal.  Now everybody is approved.  Sad...Sad...Sad state of affairs.

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      Abby Campbellposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      SO SAD!

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      JThomp42posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      LandmarkWealth.... With all due respect, everyone I know who has tried to get SSDI have gone through hell. They continue to get denied, and they deserve it. They cannot work and have no income at all. So, I do not believe this to be the case.

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      LandmarkWealthposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That was true at one time, but not anymore.  I am coming across cases at work of people approved in a few months for nominal issues.  It's not coincidence that the enrollment has tripled in the last 5 years.  People aren't getting hurt that fast.

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      collegedadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      In 2008 my cardiologist talked me into applying for disability. After I applied, I decided against it. The disability office hounded me for a year trying to get me to accept my disability. I finally told them to quite calling!

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      LandmarkWealthposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      A lot of it is political.  Once they are on SSDI they are no longer counted as unemployed.  So there is a political incentive.

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   JThomp42posted 10 years ago

   It is not easy to get the help you need in this country if you really need it because of people that you have mentioned. They make it so tough for those who really deserve it, this is why you see so many mentally ill people living on the street who deserve help. One thing that I have learned in my years here on earth is, "Do not judge!" One day, God forbid, you could very easily be in that homeless person's shoes.

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      Abby Campbellposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This is so true, Jeff. I have a 25 year old in a rest home. We are currently going through appeals. So many mentally ill have been kicked out to the streets while tons are selling EBT cards in front the grocery store my other girls work at. Disgrace!

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      collegedadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good points JThomp42! We have the same going on here Abby Campbell. A family of three receives $526 in food stamps and will sell them for $300 to buy booz or drugs.

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      Abby Campbellposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's when I get so aggravated, collegedad. I have two teens working for a grocery store, and they tell me all kinds of stories. These people trade right outside the store, and the store won't report them. A news special was on about this too.

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4. 73

   Abby Campbellposted 10 years ago

   It does make me crazy, collegedad! I have Facebook friends who I have spoken with personally due to my profession. They have always come to me for free advice which I don't mind the first few times, especially since they are on government assistance. However, I see them complain constantly about not receiving their SSI, SSDI, or unemployment checks on time. Some have even complained about being cut from the system, or that their in-laws (who they live with) ask them to help around the house physically.
   
   One gal even has 4 kids and a husband... all living with in-laws. That's 6 to 2, and she's going to complain about cooking or cleaning, yet says she's bored and complains about no income. I tried to talk to her about getting a job, and her response was that she has "no skills." Well... ! I told her that she will be taught what to do at entry level positions at grocery stores, department stores, etc. Still... she continues to complain. Then I saw on her Facebook that she smokes weed. Go figure! This isn't the only Facebook friend I have like this either. There are several, and I get worked up every time I see comments like this. Many are using our tax dollars to feed their illegal habits. It's very sad and irritating.

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      collegedadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The system needs serious re-working doesn't it. Personally I believe that those who receive benefits should be required to take random drug tests. Thanks for the great comment!

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      Abby Campbellposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I agree. I also think those acquire EBT cards should only go to food banks to receive with IDs checked. Right now, they can sell their cards and no one ever checks IDS. Also, stores are allowing them to buy what's not on the list.

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   IDONOposted 10 years ago

   Yes, it drives me nuts. But not near as much as those that are teaching this mentality to our next generation. If people want to create a real life " Hunger Games", this is a good way to do it.

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