Why do people who collect SSI benefits say they are on a fixed income?

Question

Nothing bothers me more than to hear someone say this. I mean, even working people are actually on a fixed income right. They can change jobs for more money but with more money comes more bills and so on. You live on what you can afford so why do people who get free money say this? Not putting anyone down who really needs the SSI, it's just so many that get it could and should be working like the rest of us.

As I stated I am not putting anyone down for receiving SSI it's just that I work my *** off at a job I hate and don't go around complaining about being on a fixed income. I have 2 kids to support on my own and let me tell you I am poor.

Answer 1

Their income is FIXED by law. It has nothing to do with working. It is a welfare payment. People don't like to tell others they are on welfare or specifically what kind of welfare it is. So instead they say they are on a fixed income.

Answer 2

Ummmm, they have paid into SS and deserve the benefits. They may be retired and have no other income, and by SS rules, they can't make more than a specified amt. or they begin to lose the SS benefits, hence the term "on a fixed income." This would exclude people who have better prepared for their retirement years as they have other benefits like a decent retirement program or a really good 401K. BUT, many people who are in their late 60s and above have only SSI. What are they supposed to do? Get a job....again? And what kind of job might that be? Walmart greeter at minimum wage for 20 hours a week? It is just an old person's verbalization, a cliche. It rubs you the wrong way, so try to put yourself in their shoes ....and plan ahead for retirement so you won't be on a fixed income and annoy a yonger person by using that cliche.

Answer 3

You clearly dont understand what "fixed income" means, it means their income is"fixed" at a certain amount determined by the Government and that wont change until the Govt changes it. It is "FIXED" because it doesnt change.

An employed person receives raises, promotions, and has the option to increase their income by moving to a different employer. So how is that "fixed"? If you arent moving ahead financially then clearly you need to upgrade your education or skills.

I dont know where you are working, but apparently knowledge of the English language isnt a big priority on your job. (such as knowing what "fixed income" actually means)

Let me introduce myself, I was working as an Accountant when the roof fell on me at work. I am also a Licensed Investment Consultant and Financial Planner, I have worked as a Family and Youth Counselor and have a University Degree in Psychology.

I am no longer able to work. It isnt a "choice" but I do hope you have the same "choice" I have had someday.

God willing some day you will be completely disabled and living on a "fixed" income and all your friends and family will call you a loser, and treat you like less than a human being. And ignorant people will post "Questions" such as this on a forum that is designated for People with Disabilties" that you are a member of.

One can only hope.

Answer 4

Fixed income means that you get the same amount of money regardless of whether or not prices go up. For people who can work, wages and salaries often rise to accommodate living expenses. This is not true for people on SSI, retirement money, etc. It stays the same, regardless of how much living costs. It's a "fixed income." That's what it means.

SSI is not "free money." Most people who claim it worked to put that money into the system. Some people couldn't work to put money into the system, but their family members did. No one chooses to be disabled and unable to work, but it happens.

You say you don't want to put down anyone who really needs the SSI, but with all due respect, how do you know who needs it and who doesn't? Do you have access to everyone's medical files? That statement alone puts down everyone who gets SSI benefits.

Answer 5

We should not begrudge the SSI money received by mentally or physically disabled people. They are not able to support themselves. They do have a fixed income. If you are working at a job then you have the option to work overtime or get a second job, therefore you do not live on a fixed income.

The crooks, liars, loafers receiving SSI should be prosecuted for fraud. Report them to the Inspector General on the Social Security Fraud Hot line 1-800-269-0271.

Answer 6

Yea, but those of us in the workforce have opportunities (some of us anyway) to supplement our income doing extra stuff at our jobs. SSI benefits are limited and those people are unable to work full time anymore because their benefits will be cut. It does bother me sometimes for lazy people to be on it. But my Papa is 90 years old and gets SSI and he still works part time but saves all his money and he lives on his fixed income and deserves to be taken care of because he has worked hard all of his life!

Answer 7

well most pay it in to the ssi,, just like ssd, now you call it free money, let get real, their nothing free, in this world,2th the ssi got it set so you only get so much, if you say go out an earn, say 20, they want 5 of it back,,ssi is a good thing to have, in this world,, i dont hear, many talking on how much, they spend on wars,, but let a poor soul, to try to just live, an you get the hits,, let pray you never need ssi, are ssd,

Answer 8

a lot of people can not work as in my case I have dystonia. I have no control over my body I have spinal nerve damage.brain damage, unable to swallow. uncontrolled leakage from mouth. diferent from minute to minute, cant see sometimes,cant walk sometimes, severe pain cant talk some times and you want me to get a job. gosh I would love to but if I was a business person. I would say no. That is why I am on a fixed income,






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Answer 9

Probably because people with disability have difficulty finding a job because of the stigma going on with their lives, and all they can do is do voluntary jobs, and temporary employment for six months. Temporary employment for people with disability is like recycling jobs for them to accommodate all of them. They do voluntary work to keep them selves occupied because most of the people don't want to hire them. Like the members in Fountain House they do voluntary work for Fountain house to keep themselves occupied while waiting for temporary employment or not. People in Fountain House really wants to work, but the stigma prevent them from doing that. Except for people who pity them are the only people who will hire them, and the job they have is recycled to accommodate all of them, and when they have their temporary employment or other employment their SSI benefit goes down.

Answer 10

when i was able to work, i worked all the overtime, extra jobs that i could to make more money, now that i am disabled and all i get is ssi please believe me it is not free money and there is no way i can make more money to add to my monthly money. thank heavens you can still work and make as much or as little money as you choose.