Search

Home > Up First > Trapped in a Social Safety Net
Podcast: Up First
Episode:

Trapped in a Social Safety Net

Category: News & Politics
Duration: 00:29:52
Publish Date: 2024-12-08 08:00:59
Description: In 1972, the federal government launched a program to support the poorest disabled and elderly Americans. Supplemental Security Income, run by the Social Security Administration, provides monthly checks that are a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in this country.

SSI was intended to serve as a powerful safety net and a tool for fighting poverty. But a recent NPR Investigation led by correspondent Joseph Shapiro has discovered a very different reality today.

In today's episode of The Sunday Story, Shapiro explains how SSI's outdated rules have made the system difficult to run and almost impossible for its beneficiaries to navigate. Impoverished disabled and elderly people say they have been penalized for trying to improve their lives—for saving money, getting married, and even daring to have careers.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Total Play: 0

Users also like

1K+ Episodes
Hidden Brain 2K+     200+
3K+ Episodes
Slate Daily .. 100+     10+
1K+ Episodes
Keith and Th .. 200+     40+
1K+ Episodes
The Glass Ca .. 1K+     10+
600+ Episodes
Wait Wait... .. 2K+     100+

Some more Podcasts by NPR

2K+ Episodes
NPR Politics .. 1K+     200+
2K+ Episodes
NPR News Now 2K+     2K+
200+ Episodes
Embedded 200+     10+
800+ Episodes
Code Switch 90+     10+
100+ Episodes
Rough Transl .. 100+     20+
2K+ Episodes
1A 20+     9
2K+ Episodes
The NPR Poli ..     200+
1K+ Episodes
Consider Thi ..     100+