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Time for a thread on the intentionally abysmal social safety net in this country.
This is prompted by two things: 1) finding that the COVID stimulus reduced poverty, and 2) my recent experiences trying to get gov't aid https://twitter.com/drvox/status/1275088657255260161
This is prompted by two things: 1) finding that the COVID stimulus reduced poverty, and 2) my recent experiences trying to get gov't aid https://twitter.com/drvox/status/1275088657255260161
I should acknowledge up front the immense privilege I bring to this. I'm unemployed and applying for gov't aid, but I'm also a white guy with a law degree and an incredibly supportive network of loved ones who are able to financially support me for a bit.
My experience isn't comparable to that of someone with a disability, or who is discriminated against, or has children to take care of, etc.
But it's my experience and I want to put it out there.
But it's my experience and I want to put it out there.
There are a number of prominent federal programs meant to help financially struggling people: unemployment, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Medicaid/care, SNAP, TANF, Social Security, housing assistance, and Head Start are the ones that pop to mind most readily.
And then of course there's the CARES Act, which gave direct cash relief to most people and temporarily expanded unemployment eligibility and amounts. It also temporarily beefed up SNAP, child nutrition, and food banks. https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package
Not shockingly, direct cash relief plus expanded unemployment benefits did a lot of good to help people get out of poverty! https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/us/politics/coronavirus-poverty.html#click=https://t.co/ynd1xSCpCN
So, I'm unemployed and looking for work every day. I've started contracting with a texting-based survey company to make a few bucks. My health insurance I had through school will expire in August.
Unfortunately for me, I'm not eligible for just about any of this (other than the $1200 stimulus check). I don't have kids, which rules out some of it like TANF. I wasn't eligible for the EITC this year because I was a student last year...
I don't live in public housing or a subsidized apartment. I'm young, so no Medicare or Social Security.
My only theoretical options are unemployment and Medicaid.
My only theoretical options are unemployment and Medicaid.
Unemployment seems like a good option! I'm not employed and looking for work. I'm making a little money where I can. UI is designed for people like me, right?
Nope! DC's eligibility requirements exclude people like me.
Nope! DC's eligibility requirements exclude people like me.
See, my only income last year was a $5500 grant for working on the Hill over the summer. Apparently that doesn't count as "wages," so I... *didn't make enough money* to qualify for UI this year.
This is a wild way to run a social safety net. It's clearly not designed to actually help people who need it. It's designed to reduce government expenses by limiting assistance to people judged to be more likely to get off UI quickly.
So despite me 1) wanting to work, 2) being ready and able to work, and 3) seeking employment daily, I don't qualify for the government benefit theoretically meant for people in my exact situation.
Okay fine, how about Medicaid? I have prescription meds and I won't have my current insurance much longer.
I'll just click this big "Apply for Medicaid" button:
I'll just click this big "Apply for Medicaid" button:
A few clicks later and I'm at the @DCHealthLink portal! Yay, let me just find the application...
which does not seem to exist.
which does not seem to exist.
This is a smaller problem - I can call and talk to someone and hopefully figure it out that way. But I have friends who have run into similar issues just trying to sign up for Medicaid. It's unnecessarily difficult.
And for some of these benefits I'm not eligible for, like TANF, you're required to provide your social security card and birth certificate.
I don't know where either of those things are. Maybe my mom has them somewhere?
I don't know where either of those things are. Maybe my mom has them somewhere?
Anyway, the point of this thread is not to make myself a victim or engender pity. I'm fine.
The point is that accessing benefits intended to alleviate poverty is stressful and difficult and often convoluted.
The point is that accessing benefits intended to alleviate poverty is stressful and difficult and often convoluted.
These difficulties fall harder on some people than others, as I mentioned earlier - parents, people with disabilities, people without homes or internet access.
It's all a mess and we need to tear it down and build something more intuitive, more accessible, and more generous.
It's all a mess and we need to tear it down and build something more intuitive, more accessible, and more generous.
In my mind, that means some form of UBI plus Medicare for All. No means testing, no unnecessary applications and forms. Just give it to everyone.
