Search the Web
Custom Search
|
Widow Looks To Change Social Security Rule
March 24, 2009SAN DIEGO -- Several weeks ago, Scripps Ranch resident Phoebe Carroll lost her husband of 25 years to esophageal cancer.
Although it is the law and a rule, Carroll said it made no sense that her husband could not get money he was owed from Social Security when it was needed the most.
"I'm not as positive as I'd like to be, that I'm going to be OK," said Carroll.
The lilies are still fresh and condolence cards are stacked in a bowl nearby. By all accounts, Carroll never thought it would be like this so soon.
"… Hug the people you love. It doesn't happen the way you expect it to," said Carroll.
The week before Halloween last year, 64-year-old Lane Carroll was playing soccer with 26-year-olds.
By Christmas, he could barely walk, and by February, esophageal cancer took his life.
When doctors told Lane Carroll there wasn't any hope, he applied to Social Security for a Compassionate Allowance Disability benefit and was approved.
"After you're approved, you're not really approved; you have to see if you can live long enough to collect it," said Phoebe Carroll.
Under the law, benefits cannot be paid until you've been disabled for five consecutive months.
Lane Carroll's disease was much faster, and the Carrolls did not receive a dime at a time when Phoebe was off work so she could care for her husband.
"For me, the disability insurance money would have been the difference between being comfortable in a really uncomfortable time and having one less thing to worry about," said Phoebe Carroll.
Lane Carroll was given quite a send-off, as hundreds of people turned out for a tribute to celebrate his life.
To honor his memory, Phoebe wants the law changed or at least the ability for an appeal so others won't find themselves in the situation she was in.
"Other people I'm sure could be looking at losing their homes, could be looking at not eating, could be looking at not paying medical bills, just really disastrous things," said Phoebe.
Since this is a federal law, we contacted Duncan D. Hunter's office in whose district Carroll resides.
While there is no current legislation that deals with this issue, Hunter's office said they are looking into either crafting a bill or at least inquiring whether Social Security could establish an appeal process on a case-by-case basis.
Return to San Diego Local News Roundup
