Social Security insecurity

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This year has obviously been a very difficult one for most Americans. For many older folks, like myself, Social Security no longer is “secure,” despite the 4.1 percent increase reported in the Bangor Daily News on Oct. 15-16 by The Associated Press.

“The average Social Security check will increase from $963 to $1,002 in January,” AP reports. That won’t be true is you are a schoolteacher.

I taught for 30 years in Maine. In December, my Social Security will be about $100 after Medicare. But in January, Medicare fees will increase $10.

There goes the 4.1 percent increase.

Let me explain.

In June, I reached the golden age of 65.

“Ah, time to retire,” I thought. “I’ll just go to sunny Florida and ride the hurricane waves or just sit and watch grass grow.” I was free from the routine of work. I’m in the golden years.

Wrong!

However, I was optimistic – then. After my birthday, I hurried to the Social Security office in Bangor. A few days before I had received a letter from Social Security saying that I’m entitled to $850 monthly.

“That sounds fair,” I thought.

As I rode the elevator to the Social Security office, I uneasily remembered the sneaky Windfall Elimination Provision that the federal government made into law in the 1980s. “But I’m protected,” I thought. “After all, I worked a double career for 30 years.” (I was an immigration inspector at Bangor International Airport.) “I know I have my necessary credits. The letter they sent says so.”

Wrong again.

With a professional smile on her lips, the nice Social Security lady in charge informed me that I’ll lose 60 percent of my anticipated Social Security due to the provision. “About $200 is all you’ll get, that is, until you sign up for Medicare. That drops it down to about $150 – maybe. However, you do know that Medicare goes up in January to $88 a month.”

“What? Why can’t I use my other job to qualify?”

It seems that since my teaching job was my major source of income, the immigration job didn’t count. It didn’t matter that I earned my 50 credits.

“So I can get a refund?”

“Nope.”

“How about a Big Mac?” I sneered.

Since there was an armed security guard watching me, I soon took my quiet rage and sarcasm with me and left the premises.

It’s not only Maine teachers who are impacted by the government offset. Thousands of retired teachers in 35 states will feel the slap in the face come retirement, even if they flip Big Macs on the side.

Sadly, many teachers are not even aware of the unfair law that was passed with little fanfare.

What clown thought of that one? Some rich politician, probably.

The nice Social Security lady did advise me to contact my local and state congressmen. I did.

They all told me that “nothing can be done unless all the 35 states sign off,” whatever that means.

Now, if all the thousands of people who are or will be affected by this crazy law were to contact their congressmen, things may change.

Anyone know a good lawyer?

One thing is certain – keep an eye on our government, folks. Changes are coming.

They could be more destructive than any hurricane.

Gerald Button is a resident of Stetson.