I have read many stories about how many deadbeats are getting on social security disability. This is hearsay, mind you, but I'm told that state employment counselors in Vermont and other states help able bodied people get on disability because their age and lack of skills mean they will likely not find another job. I also have it on good authority that many attorneys nationwide make a good living helping able bodied persons get on disability.
I am 3 1/2 years from turning seventy and drawing maximum social security. When I'm 70 1/2 I will have to start drawing the minimum on my 401K, which is fairly substantial. I will also be able then to start drawing my pension from my employer while still working there. Maybe, at that point, I will reduce my work week to 3 or 4 days per week. I have to work at least 24 hours per week to draw full insurance benefits. Why would I do this? Because I don't trust that social security, my pension, my 401k and my Medicare will be there when I need them. I want to accumulate as much cash as possible so I don't have to eat cat food some day.
Am I paranoid? You betcha. In today's political climate we have to rely on our own resources as much as possible. Fortunately, I don't have a bucket list, I don't much care for travel, most of my friends are at work, and I don't hate my job. A big night out for my wife and I is a burger at Chili's. Maybe, I'll make it to the end without having to sleep under a bridge.