Social Security

[noonereal]

Originally Posted by Boreas

You don't "pay in" to Food Stamps and Medicaid. You can avail yourselves of these entitlements even if you've never earned enough to pay income tax. Also, you have to apply for these and must demonstrate a need and you can be rejected (means test). You get it if you need it. You don't if you don't.

With Social Security and Medicare, you do pay in and, as a result, you automatically receive the benefits. Yes, you have to apply but that's mostly because you have a certain amount of discretion as to when your benefit will start.

so... the pennies given for food stamps and the 1800's medicine available through Medicaid is paid for with money that falls from the trees?

John, I get your point, I understand the differences, I disagree that it's worth making a distinction. We disagree. No big deal.