Tax Rebates: Why SSD and not SSI?

[dajoki]

Today I recieved a notice from the IRS about the stimulus checks. People on SSD can get them, but people on SSI can't. WHAT A BUNCH OF BULLSHIT!! It has been really bothering me since I got it in today's mail and I can't stop thinking about how many people are getting a royal screwing. What kind of rationale was used to come up with this? Why SSD and no SSI? They are both large groups of HUMAN BEINGS that have the same needs and the same problems. So what makes one more deserving over the other? I really hope you can help me on this because I don't understand it, and more than that, I AM TREMENDOUSLY PISSED OFF!! I will get one as I am on SSD, but it is still totally wrong. If I wasn't in such dire straights financially and didn't need it I would send it back!! So that is my rant for today, but I won't let it go until get some answers.

From IRS Website:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179201,00.htm...

Economic Stimulus Payments: Information for Recipients of Social Security Benefits

Updated March 12, 2008

This section is for people who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits. The IRS and Treasury will be working closely with the Social Security Administration to ensure that all eligible individuals know what to do to receive a stimulus payment.

Normally, certain Social Security payments are not subject to income tax. However, the economic stimulus law passed in February contains a special provision allowing Social Security recipients to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement of $3,000 and thereby qualify for the stimulus payment.

For eligible Social Security recipients who do not normally file a tax return, the IRS has prepared a 10-page informational package that provides instructions, a sample Form 1040A and a blank Form 1040A — everything needed to file the tax form today. See eligiblity requirements below.

Package 1040A-3, 8-page informational package
SUPPLEMENTEAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) DOES NOT COUNT AS QUALIFYING INCOME FOR THE STIMULUS PAYMENT.

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. Because that is what they decided....

and that's it.

I'm sorry for your pain.

The decision makes no sense to me either, and it sucks.

Why not provide "stimulus" to as broad a population as possible?

Because it's fucking window dressing, and not a stimulus at all.

[dajoki]

2. I get one...

but it still pisses me off!!

[shraby]

3. The old folks didn't get a check last time either, what's new?

[dajoki]

9. What's new is...

that nobody got them last time. This time some do and some don't, like I said I get one this time, but I know many people on SSI who won't get any, and something is wrong with that.

[Hugabear]

4. Because they don't think you'll spend it

They think you'll just shove the money under your mattress, or bury it in a jar in the backyard.

That's rethug thinking for you.

[dajoki]

10. BILLS!! n/t

[Wanet]

5. Just information about SSI and SSDI

I'm not justifying the difference, just trying to figure out what their reasoning might have been. SSDI is for people who have paid into the Social Security system for a qualifying period of time (and thus have paid income taxes), and SSI is for those who have not paid into the Social Security system or paid income taxes. -- Wanet

[kickysnana]

7. Correction: not paid ENOUGH into the SS system.

I get one, my Aunt gets none. Her income is less than half what mine is. I only qualify because my exe dragged out the divorce past 10 years and I get SSDI on his account. Became disabled with MS at age 24. Worked off and on as I could until I was almost dead at age 37 and I qualified for disability.

I get paid a couple hours for 24/7 PCA care for her after her stroke a year ago. She is out of the nursing home and I have something to get up in the morning for. She took care of me and my two tweenagers when I was very, very bad 1990-1993.

She splurged on some lipstick this month.

[dajoki]

11. Exactly...

Many people who were sick from birth or an early age get screwed through no fault of their own. I'm sure the vast majority would have loved to work and pay taxes but are not physically or mentally able. That is what SSI is for and they should be included in the rebates. I would really like to know how and who made the decision to exclude them.

[BigDaddy44]

13. Because then its not a rebate

Rebate means you paid something and get something back. I'm not defending the decision, but its supposed to be a tax rebate. If you don't pay taxes ........ there's nothing to rebate.

[dajoki]

15. I'm on SSD...

and didn't pay taxes but am still getting the "rebate", maybe they named it wrong. So why me and not SSI?

[RebelOne]

6. I'm collecting Social Security, but still working full time.

So I guess I will be receiving a check.

[bobbolink]

8. Because VERY poor people don't count! I keep saying, we are invisible.

No housing.

Not enough money to buy adequate food.

No "stiumulus" money.

They just wish we'd die.

[dajoki]

12. Sadly...

You are absolutely correct. The people who need things the most always end up with the short end of the stick, or nothing at all, and I'm not only talking about the rebates, its everything, as you know!! And I'm surprised that the "hit squads" aren't out.:hug:

[Hawkeye-X]

14. I'm on SSD and working part-time..

and I filed my taxes last week, (at least I hope my accountant did). I just hope to get everything squared away.

Hawkeye-X

[dajoki]

18. Good luck to you!! n/t

[penguin7]

16. These rebate checks go straight to the cost of groceries

So people not getting these checks get doubly screwed.

[dajoki]

17. Yes they do...

and its always the poorest that get the screwing. This country should be ashamed!!