"A Guy Walks Into a..."
Social Security Office

We've learned about Social Security thus far...about how it covers the elderly and provides money for when they retire. But, when President Roosevelt developed it in the 1930s, he realized that it wasn't just the "elderly" who needed help: what about the single mothers? the sick? the temporarily unemployed? the starving and the hungry? Social Security covers that, too. And it's known as "Supplemental Security Income". The word "supplemental" means "support" or "extra".

For this activity, I want you to examine all of the data below, and respond to the following needs, found in red. On a separate sheet of paper, you can simply "answer their questions". Remember, this is just Part 1 of the activity, with more of the "fun stuff" coming next class period. 

"A Guy Walks Into a Social Security Office, and Asks..."

• I'm a little confused on all the differences in the government services! For example, can I receive things like Medicare and SSI? And is SSI just "temporary" until you get back on your feet?
• I retired from my job at the factory about ten years ago, and my meager amount of Social Security payments have all but dried up.  My nagging back injury prevents me from working again, and it costs a lot to maintain my health, my house, and what little life I have left. Can you help me? I'm just not sure if I'm "poor enough" or "hurt enough". What programs are available for me, and furthermore, how much money can I get​?
• I'm a single mother, just trying to put food on the table. I can barely pay the rent, let alone pay for most things. Can you help me provide square meals for me and my family? Are there programs for me? And how do I qualify?
• What's the difference between SSI and "disability" insurance? Because they all seem the same to me! (NOTE: You might have to ask someone who researched "disability insurance" for this question. Or, you can simply do a quick overview on "disability insurance" found on an additional link on the main page of this website...)