More to the point...SS is NOT disability income, and it's NOT an average amount; it's based on an individual's work history. $96.40 per person is deducted for Medicare, but it's not mandatory to provide for tax deductions, so "before taxes" is a misnomer.

And generally, at that income level, there are few if any federal tax liabilities after deduction for exemptions and standard deductions (unless the individual has financial assets which increase his/her tax liability). So there would be no reason that "before taxes" is an applicable amount.

So if GllntKnight alone is getting about $1,000 a month, she must have worked for several years in her life before she became disabled.

If she's getting disability as well, that would boost her income to more than what I get on SS, and I manage to get by. And yes, someone can live on that amount, but it takes very careful financial stewardship.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GardenSprite,

Excuse Me? I started disability before I turned 65 once you turn 65 it becomes SS there is no additional disability! Do you live on another planet You pay taxes on all income including SS and taxes upon taxes and so on. And the amount for Medicare went up the first of the year I just don't recall off hand what it is but it is over $100. Only exemption is myself. If you are getting disability and SS I'd like to know why I am not cause I could sure use the extra money.

Yuo know, I've watched your post for a while now, and they make me wonder why , as you obviously don't care for this forum, why you stay on it
Eventually, those who can give you correct advice and do, will get tired of your complaining, and stop replying to your posts.
I would suggest you find another forum that you will like (there are plenty of them for you to try)
I also am getting the feeling that your posts are really nothing except a game to you
If you are truly handicapped as you claim, I sympathize with you, but you really need an attitude change
No one here is going to gather up all their tools, and fly out to help and do your work, and even if they did, you'd probably find something to complain about
Find a good contractor who has good references, to fix your most pressing needs and work ou a payment plan

I understand and sympathize with your situation, Mom was in tough times at the end.

however, it might be worth ocnsidering whether you are just not able to handle the old homestead any more, and should consider selling it to a rebuild service like the "caveman" network. you may be a candidate for assisted living or s county high-rise. nothing to fix or worry about, and you pay what you can, basically, not what some weasel in the big city with 200 buildings wants to charge.

not a slam, just a suggestion, from somebody who has watched family eaten alive by that old house.

I don't expect anyone to fly out here as for another contractor, I burned once by someone who had all the credentials which turned out to be bogus, I have major losses,damages and a job never completed, hope after litigation to get some restitution but it doesn't seem likely. But that is not your problem.

I really don't want to give up my home at this time, should my husband pass then that is something I will seriously have to consider. I have two dogs and there isn't a place that probably wouldn't take them, once they pass it will make things easier.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by swschrad:
I understand and sympathize with your situation, Mom was in tough times at the end.

however, it might be worth ocnsidering whether you are just not able to handle the old homestead any more, and should consider selling it to a rebuild service like the "caveman" network. QUOTE]

Swschrad, what is the "caveman" network, or is that a nickname for a group of rehabbers? I ask because I expect in a few years I might be looking at a situation like for that a relative. I'm collecting information on groups that might want to take on a rehab project. Purple Heart Homes is one potential on my list.

Good suggestion as to the housing options. There's also the Section 8 housing options as well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GardenSprite,

the "Ugg buys ugly houses" bunch, homevestors. they're national, a referral outfit for local franchises basically. there are local flippers in all major areas in the yellow pages, too.