Becoming Poor: Stories of the Real 'Safety Net' and the Consequences for Middle America

26 Pages Posted: 10 May 2014

Date Written: 2009

Abstract

This article draws from my experiences representing persons with HIV/AIDS and the lessons learned regarding the difficulty that persons encounter in transitioning from full-time work income to disability income. Through a detailed examination of the income options for those who become disabled and are no longer able to work, the paper demonstrates the extreme tenuousness of the so-called “safety net” and the societal consequences, as well as the consequences to the disabled individual. In an effort to determine how and why the safety net has failed the article also traces the rise of the disability insurance industry and explains how that industry has contributed to the problem. Finally, an analysis of the various potential solutions reveals that a closer look should be taken at the various legal standards for determining disability that are in place and how those legal standards have ultimately lead to inaccurate determinations and costly litigation.

Keywords: Employer insurance, Insurance Research Network (SIRN), Determination of Benefits, Income Adequacy of Beneficiaries, Low Income Persons with Disabilities, Overall Income Security (Persons with Disabilities), SSDI, SSI (Persons with Disabilities), Intersection of Social Welfare and Social Insurance

Suggested Citation

Miller-Wilson, Cathryn, Becoming Poor: Stories of the Real 'Safety Net' and the Consequences for Middle America (2009). Quinnipiac Health Law Journal, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2009, Villanova Law/Public Policy Research Paper No. 2014-1009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2434586

Cathryn Miller-Wilson (Contact Author)

HIAS Pennsylvania ( email )

2100 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
(215) 832-0927 (Phone)

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