I receive a combined $1250 a month on disability and SSI. I'm 28 and I live in the Midwest. There is no upward mobility, I get what I get if I can't work, and according to a government that hates to admit it, I cannot.
Letter came in the mail saying my food stamps have been extended to 2024, which is nice, but then it said the limit I'm allowed to make before I no longer qualify for EBT. It's a hundred dollars more than I do now. It hurts that I am specifically given just enough to still qualify and live.
Being disabled in the U.S. means poverty. By default. I can't work, I can't “play the game” and earn a living. I'm grateful that I get help at all, but I'm resigned to living paycheck to paycheck. Most of free cash that isn't tied up in bills goes to keeping the terrible housing available for people on low income livable.
Please don't forget us, guys. It's the richest nation in human history, I pay taxes on every purchase, we often can't defend ourselves.
Good luck in your fights!