Saturday, April 23, 2005

Disparity Between Blacks and White Regarding Social Security

I've been trying to explain that Black men are get the short end of the shaft when it comes to Social Security. Their average life spans are shorter than those of white men so they collect Social Security for a shorter period of time than white men do, even though they pay in just as long, or maybe even longer. And, black or white, the money you pay in is not yours when you die. You've paid in to the fund, but when you die, that money, the money you paid in over your working lifetime, reverts to the government and is paid to a total stranger. You might receive a death benefit, but it only amounts to about $255. That's it. At the end of your life, your government says you are worth only $255, no matter how much or how long you've paid into Social Security.

Herman Cain explains it the way I wish I could.

It is now evident that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not apply to the Social Security system. Due to the rising retirement age, differences in life expectancy between Blacks and Whites, and mandatory payroll tax deductions, the system by its very nature discriminates against black men and women.

This built-in discrimination has been present since 1935 when Social Security was established. The original retirement age to begin receiving Social Security benefits was set at 65 years. Black women in 1935 lived to an average age of 55, and black men to the age of 51. Our white brothers did not fare much better, since they were expected to live just 61 years.

The rest of the article can be found here. If you are a Black man, you have to read the entire article. Discrimination still lives, despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964. You should be demanding that the Social Security Act be reformed now so that you will receive the benefits that you have been promised.

1 comment:

Kitten said...

Agreed, for whatever reason, black men have a shorter lifespan than any other group. So, why aren't black men demanding to have a better Social Security system in place? The only other thing that will happen is to raise the retirement age and to cut benefits. They only thing that will accomplish regarding black men is to keep that many more black men from collecting SS benefits.