SSI

It is sometimes said that government benefit programs never end but that is not always the case. Prior to 1996 alcoholism was considered a disability by Social Security Income (SSI) and alcoholism was considered a disability under this program. Alcoholics living on the street were receiving $600 per month but the law required that they have a permanent address to send the checks and there must be a responsible person to receive the money. It was common for the alcoholic to use the neighborhood liquor store as this address and the owner as the responsible person. The store would keep track of the purchases during the month and when the check arrived, they would deduct the amount owed and turn over the rest to the recipient. It the limit was reached they would be cut off until next month. It served as an interest free loan of next months purchases. This had been going on for many years but was stopped in 1996. Studies showed the Social Security Administration (SSA) didn't monitor addicts properly, and only one-fifth of those required to be in treatment actually were.