That Darn Socialism...Survivor Benefits For My Son's Wife & Childen

[Oilwellian]

As most of you probably know, my youngest son passed away in his sleep this past November, leaving behind a wife and two young children. He was only twenty nine.

My daughter-in-law just left the local Social Security office with the guarantee of survivor benefits that equal close to what my son was earning each month. This is such a relief for our family, knowing she and her children can remain in their home and maintain their dignity.

I'm writing this to serve as a reminder that Social Security isn't just for retirees. Our mothers and fathers before us agreed to a social contract that would protect widows and children from falling into poverty should the major breadwinner in the family die. That's what civilized and humane people do...protect our most vulnerable.

Thank you Social Security and its participants for maintaining this covenant through the decades, and helping to provide a dignified life for millions of our fellow citizens. My story proves the system works the way it was intended. Let us continue to support and protect it.

[urbanhermit]

1. Survivor Benefits

My wife's father passed when she was 3 years old. She was the middle child and her younger sister is mentally challenged and will never be mentally over 3 years of age. If those benefits weren't available, I don't know how my mother-in-law would have raised 3 daughters under the age of 6, including one handicapped child. Thank you Social Security.

[progressoid]

2. Rec!

[angstlessk]

3. My father died when I was 16 and my mother got survivor benefits also

It helped us when she got fired from the bank because she was about to be vested in the retirement fund GRRRRR

[LittleGirl]

4. raising hand

I am a child of survivor benefits and had we not received those funds, we would have been homeless. My Father died when I was 15 and my Mother worked in a factory. 3 of the 5 children they supported were in high school when Dad passed away at age 42 of heart failure (1975) and the oldest 2 were on their own. My brothers and I were able to finish high school, start college and live at home until we were ready to move out. It was the best thing to happen to us after losing Dad so young. He too worked in a factory. We were poor and his death could have destroyed our family, but Social Security saved our family and our lives.

Too bad my two tea party siblings have amnesia about that time the government saved our family. It's what a civilized society does for their fellow humans when there is a sudden loss like that. I hope my kindness to others over the years has somehow paid that favor forward.

Peace.

[El_Johns]

5. K&R

[smokey nj]

6. My father had a heart attack when I was 11-years-old. He couldn't work after that, but

Social Security kept us afloat.

[Sheldon Cooper]

7. As a single parent of two kids, I was always comforted by the fact that

their survivor benefits (if I had died while they were still minors) would have been more than adequate to meet their needs. This would have also allowed the insurance policy that I had set up as a trust fund for them to remain untouched until they reached their majority.

Social Security - it's a good thing.

[dembotoz]

8. wife died when kid was under3

kept a roof over our heads
benefits were a wonderful
thing

[Oilwellian]

9. Wonderful stories

Thank you everyone for sharing your personal stories and making this a richer thread.

I wanted to add, my son and I had numerous discussions about SS and he was one of those young adults who didn't have a lot of confidence that it would be there when he retired. I never could change his opinion either. So sadly ironic that it wound up being there in the end.

[mahina]

13. So so sorry Oilwellian.

Hugs and aloha.

Thanking all that is for the benefits being there for his kids and wife.

aloha no.

[Enthusiast]

10. Recommended 1000X and kicked too.

Sorry for the loss of your son, Oilwellian.

[Scruffy Rumbler]

11. Father died when I was 13.

Mom still had 6 kids at home, was working as a nurse (all the over time she could get!) It kept us off the streets and warm during NY winters!

[zeemike]

12. I too am a victim of that socialism.

My parents were both dead by the time I was 13 and without that survivors benefits I don't know what would have happened to me.
And that is why it is called Social Security.

[mahina]

14. This is just an amazing thread.

The experiences in this group of people should be shared with all who would undermine ss.

[Luminous Animal]

15. When my dad died, I was 18, my sister 16, and my brother 15. Social Security

enabled our family to continue living in our house and go to college.

[JNelson6563]

16. Great news Oilwellian! Splendid thread all!

So great to read of so many that were saved by Social Security.

Julie

[99Forever]

17. Yes. Social Security needs to be expanded.

It is the last remaining lifeline for many citizens and the heartless bastards that are intent on cutting it to "save it" can all burn in Hell.