Discussing Disabilities Myths

Moving forward,.I will use as Julie refers to it "my space" or my Blog to discuss the Myths and misconceptions about Disabilities that are being tossed about in various postings here on Patch. I hope that this blog will serve as a positive form of information for residents.

Let's start this Blog off by looking at the term Disability as defined by the Social Security Administration which may be found on their site at: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

• You cannot do work that you did before;
• We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Next let's examine the myth that people on Social Security don't pay taxes that is so often spread as the gospel here on Patch by posters such as the following:

Peter T. Cianelli

Robert D. Hoff.....
                             I'M THAT
                        GUN OWNIN
                        GOD FEARIN
                        MEAT EATIN
                       BIBLE READIN
                      MILITARY LOVIN
                    BORDER PROTECTIN
          RED BLOOED CONSERVATIVE
    RIGHT WING EXTREMIST THAT YOUR MOMMA WARNED YOU ABOUT !!!!

        I'm so honored that you would continue to mention me in your blogs. I will continue to write my opinions that are against... Islamic Terrorist... Illegal Aliens.. Barack Obama... Our Country's 16 trillion dollar national debt...  Out of control Entidlement programs... and of coarse the 52% of Americans that don't pay taxes, such as Yourself.. I promise to not disappoint you... However, I'm wondering why you deleted me from facebook for the third time.... The last time we saw each other you were soooo happy to see me !!!!!

Ironically here Mr Cianelli is a representative of The East Haven Food Pantry and as such I would expect more from him as he deals with the public.

I applaud the efforts of the East Haven Food Pantry however,I find Mr Cianelli's spreading of half truths and myths aimed at residents with disabilities who may be drawing Social Security inexcusable.

I would welcome Mr Cianelli's thoughts on Mayor Joe Maturo not being able to draw his Disability while he is working as he did in his previous Mayoral term for more on this I am sharing the following link with you the reader:

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/02/06/news/metro/doc4f2f3ba796bf3672207557.txt

If you are approved for
Social Security disability benefits, your benefits may be taxable. You may find
yourself with tax obligations if you have other sources of income besides your
disability payment, or if your spouse earns a substantial income.

If you file a federal
tax return as an "individual" and your combined income* is between $25,000 and
$34,000, you may have to pay income tax on 50 percent of your Social Security
benefits. If your combined income is above $34,000, up to 85 percent of your
Social Security benefits is subject to income tax.

- If you are married and file a joint return, you may have to pay taxes on 50 percent of your benefits if you and your spouse have a combined income that is between $32,000 and $44,000. If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits is subject to income tax.

- If you are
married and file a separate tax return, you probably will pay taxes on your
benefits. On your 1040 tax return, your "combined income" is the sum of your
adjusted gross income, plus nontaxable interest, plus one-half of your Social
Security benefits.

The above information comes from:http://www.4socialsecuritydisability.com/taxes.html

I will continue to help uncover the truth for Patch readers who have been exposed to the fabrications of posters like Mr Cianelli and I will continue to work on Programs that help to enrich and build our community into the best it can be for our neighbors in need.

This Sunday I am holding a Blanket/Food and Clothe drive to benefit the East Haven Food Pantry and The Homeless from 9AM-2PM at T&J's Supermarket.

I may not be perfect but I believe in reaching out and helping those that I am capable of helping in our community so that we may united have a brighter future.

I thank you for sharing your time with me and for reading this blog I welcome your thoughts and comments on the material presented.