Joseph Shapiro
Stories
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These disabled people tried to play by the rules. It cost them their federal benefits
A little-known Social Security program was supposed to lift people out of poverty. Sometimes it traps them there instead.
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How an outdated Social Security policy is preventing couples from marrying
Under Social Security's outdated SSI rules, couples say they can't marry - or they have to hide
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Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley agrees SSI program is outdated
A government program made to lift the poorest disabled and elderly people out of poverty is so out-of-date and complex that people often get kicked off. The agency that runs the program responds.
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The requirements of a disabilities benefits program end up hurting those who need it
People in one of the most important government programs for people with disabilities say its outdated rules can cause them harm—or even put their health and lives at risk
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This disabled woman built a career. A federal program that helped now penalizes her
Supplemental Security Income provides the medical care that lets people work. But its rules are complex and out of date.
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A whistleblower reveals how abuse of prisoners spreads from one prison to another
In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Prisons shut down a troubled unit at the prison in Illinois. The former warden is now the director of the federal center that does specialized training of prison staff.
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Prisoners allege a culture of violence by guards at federal facility in Virginia
At a federal prison in rural Virginia, more than 50 prisoners say they've been abused. But when they try to file a complaint--they're stopped, often by the same guards they say are abusing them.
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People with intellectual disabilities do lots of jobs — but they don't direct air traffic
After the fatal crash over the Potomac River, President Trump blamed diversity hiring. But that's not how disability hiring works.
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Widespread firings start at federal health agencies including many in leadership
Staffers began receiving termination notices this morning as part of a major restructuring at HHS. Some senior leadership are on their way out too.
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HHS layoffs hit Meals on Wheels and other services for seniors and disabled
Staff that administer programs to help the elderly, disabled people and poor families with basic needs lost their jobs amid the Trump administration's layoffs.
