Kristy Strong, a 45-year-old disabled woman in North Carolina, had her Supplemental Security Income benefits abruptly stopped in January due to a miscalculation by the Social Security Administration. She was shocked to receive an overpayment bill of more than $26,000, claiming that her assets had surpassed the $2,000 limit by just $1. Strong, who has struggled with mental health disorders since 2010, found herself in a difficult situation as she did not have the means to pay back the overpayment.
Despite immediately appealing the decision and seeking legal counsel, Strong has been waiting for a court date for over six months. She has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, conditions that have made her life challenging and led to her reliance on Supplemental Security Income. Strong has been off all medications for five years due to intolerable side effects, making her symptoms more manageable but still debilitating.
The overpayment issue arose when the Social Security Administration believed Strong had inherited property after her grandmother’s death, even though she did not receive anything from the estate. This misunderstanding has taken a toll on Strong’s mental health, as she has been relying on SSI as her only form of income and health insurance for years. Losing these benefits suddenly has left her feeling like she is drowning, with limited options to address her financial situation.
After losing her SSI benefits, Strong and her partner, who also relies on SSI, struggled to afford housing and basic necessities. They were on the brink of homelessness again until their local church stepped in to help with rent and utilities. Strong’s story highlights the challenges faced by individuals on fixed incomes who are abruptly cut off from essential benefits. Some experts have called for an increase in the asset limit for SSI recipients, which has remained unchanged since 1989 and does not adequately reflect inflation.
While Strong remains hopeful that her benefits will be reinstated, she is struggling with the uncertainty and the waiting process. She believes that there are many others in similar situations who are waiting for help and support. Strong emphasizes that real lives are at stake in these situations, and it is not just a matter of debate or policy but a matter of survival for those who rely on these benefits for their well-being. Though she continues to hope for a resolution, the ongoing financial strain and uncertainty are deeply impacting her mental health and well-being.
