Read Stories (continued)

I live on Social Security benefits only (under $800 per month).  Before retiring as a property manager at 70 years of age due to health issues, I had learned so much from my tenants through the years on how to survive drawing Soc. Sec. only.  Right now I get food stamps, have Medicare and Medicaid QMB for healthcare, only shop for clothes, etc., at Goodwill Industries or other thrift stores, live in a Housing Authority duplex community, have qualified for low income telephone, gas & electric service...........What I am trying to say is:  THANK GOD FOR SOCIAL SECURITY.  I could not survive without it.

My Name is Maria E. Rivera
 
I was declared disabled in 1989, but I was always inspired to work regardless of my disability.  My disability is not visual and it was really hard to be going from job to job because no one would understand my disability. 
 
One day SSA requested a resume from someone with a disability and they happened to choose me. I am now an employee with SSA with so much pride, ready to give back what was given to me with honor.  My life has changed and it only took people who cared enough to say positive words. 
 
I am now working in the West Philadelphia office.  My life is so different now that the sun shines every day. I love working for SSA.

Maria Rivera 
Administrative Assistant 
West Philadelphia

My father died when I was 5 years old.  I was the youngest of 5 children living at home on our 80 acre dairy farm.  My mother struggled to keep the farm, and the Social Security payments she received helped us survive.  We stayed on the farm for 7 years before moving to a nearby town...there she worked various cleaning and kitchen jobs to take care of the family.  I am very thankful for the Social Security system.

A special thanks to America on this its 75th Anniversary of Social Security.  I will celebrate my 75th birthday this December 31st 2010.  Social Security has made it possible for me to enjoy thirteen years of retirement.  It is just one of the greatest gifts America has signed into Law for the American family!  So it is with great joy and pride that I participate in this great ceremony. THANK YOU AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY, AND MAY OUR FLAG FLY FOREVER!

Kortwright Benjamin
Bronx, NY