Perhaps it is actually myself that's confused. I was not thinking in terms of "destitute in a ditch" money but rather the money that's currently being provided

Perhaps it is actually myself that's confused. I was not thinking in terms of "destitute in a ditch" money but rather the money that's currently being provided the the vast majority of American seniors. Sounds like you're talking SSI (dissbility) not social security (retirement). My bad.