When Social Security Became Social Insecurity

He was a strong young man, into sports and having fun. He dreamed of joining the Corps, marrying his girl and having a family. At 18 he joined up, kissed his parents goodbye and set off to become a man. By the time his tour was up he had married that girl and had a son of his own.

He worked hard, paid his taxes, and spent time with his family. His girl was pleased as was he when a daughter joined them. The girl never had to work but had everything she could want. Life was good. Everyone in town pointed to them as the perfect family. One day while driving to work, a drunk without insurance broadsided him. Though not life threatening, his injuries were severe. While he struggled to put himself back together, she took the kids and left once the insurance money ran out.

Every day he got up. The things keeping him going were prayer and his dog. As he could no longer work, he did the best he could with hope in his heart. Being a veteran and a tax paying American he knew he would be taken care of. His application for benefits was filed with Social Security and he patiently awaited his response. Six months later while dragging his mangled leg to the apartment mailbox he spied the letter he had been waiting for. Heart pounding he tore it open to see what it said.

"I am sorry Mr. Jones"

He had been denied by Social Security. This was hard to hear but he did not give up. He was told all first time applicants were automatically denied benefits. He could appeal and plead his case before a judge. That is when he could get his benefits.

Since he could no longer drive he found the bus schedule to get him back down to the Social Security office. An hour later he sat and awaited his turn. Once he was before the kind woman behind the desk he anxiously signed his name to the appeal. Now he just had to wait for his appointment to be set to see the judge.

While awaiting his appointment he tried odd jobs here and there to put food on the table and keep a roof over his head. Those though we near impossible to perform. The couple hundred dollars provided monthly by the VA did not go very far. Kind strangers and the church helped too. He moved from the apartment to a section 8 three room place. He had hope still that Social Security would come through.

His appointment with Social Security was finally set a year later. Now he knew God was listening. Once before the judge he struggled to right himself. He wanted to stand before his honor without leaning upon his cane. He may not have much but he still had his pride. In a strong clear voice he stated his case. Twenty minutes later he was thanked for his time. A decision will come to him quickly.

During the next year John applied for food stamps. The $50 he received wasn't much but with care he knew his little bit of savings would last. After all, the judge promised a quick decision. How could he be denied? He was crippled and getting worse. He'd paid into the system since he began working at 15. There would be a light at the end of this tunnel.

One morning his pain almost unbearable he forced himself to check the mail. Inside was the letter he had been waiting for!

"I am sorry Mr. Jones"

Denied? How was that possible? With his ability to read and comprehend hampered by his injuries and medication he pleaded with a neighbor to read the decision to him. Wait, the judge forgot to consider the information provided by his treating physician! There was a mistake! No longer having a phone of his own he asks to borrow his neighbor's. He calls Social Security and hears.

"I am sorry Mr. Jones"

He can only appeal the decision by Social Security once again. During the wait his health continues to fail. He becomes wheelchair bound. His savings is gone. Praying to God for the strength to go on he does. Inch by inch, day by day. After almost 6 years in the system he is at the point of giving up. The church no longer assists. He cannot bring himself to ask family for help. He cannot pay the nominal rent. The electricity has been shut off. His children long ago stopped visiting.

The day of his 49th birthday he opens his last can of food. He has been saving something special just for this day. He gives half to his beloved companion. Once done the dog jumps on the bed licking his face in homage for the meal. The man lies down next to the dog crooning loving words while the dog fades into unconsciousness. With a sad look he leans over to his bedside. There he takes the rest of his pills and swallows them. Once settled he hugs his boon companion lo these many years to his side. As tears trickle down his cheeks he sighs and slips quietly away.

The next day his landlord receives a note in the mail. Mr. Jones apologized for any mess that will be needed to clean up due to his death. The landlord rushes to the apartment only to find Mr. Jones now apart from this earth. After the bodies had been carted away the landlord begins to clean. In the mailbox is a letter from Social Security. It begins:

"We are pleased to inform you Mr. Jones."

I am sorry that you had to suffer. I am sorry you had nowhere to turn. I am sorry you believed our government when they said they would insure you an income after all the years you paid into that insurance. I am sorry this country failed you. I am sorry no one cared.

I am sorry Mr. Jones. Most of all I am ashamed.

This is the story of my cousin Cal who took his life over the weekend. Lying on the counter was a file inches high concerning his Social Security claim. I pray his was an isolated incident and it does not normally take years to help someone in need.