For many people living in Illinois, their Social Security disability allowance is all that keeps them alive. Many times these benefits are used for basic necessities, such as rent, food and heating bills. Many of those living on SSDI benefits are doing so because a serious illness or injury didn’t allow them to continue working. What income they have often comes from their benefits. If a disabled person also has a family to support, the pantry can run dry even faster.
Many of those receiving disability benefits will seek assistance from organizations, such as the Salvation Army and local food banks. These organizations provide much needed aid to those who need it the most. Without their assistance, many families would suffer.
One woman from Illinois receives Social Security disability benefits each month, but this year decided to seek assistance from the Salvation Army and was one of more than 300 people to receive a Thanksgiving food basket. The woman says things get particularly tough at the end of the month as the amount of food in her refrigerator and pantry dwindles.
It can be a challenge to begin receiving Social Security disability benefits and may require legal assistance, especially if one has been denied at first. However, for those who are disabled, it is often the only real option they have in order to maintain any type of life at all. Illinois residents who have been denied their claims should not give up hope as there may be other forms of action that can be taken in order to be reassessed for benefits.
Source: The Register-Mail, “A little help from their friends,” Lisa Coon, Nov. 23, 2011
