DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been reading your column since I can’t remember when. I have never written to you before, but I feel I have to write to you on behalf of myself and thousands of others.

Recently I received a letter telling me I am getting a $10 raise on my Social Security Disability check. On the same day I received a letter from food stamps telling me they are taking $12 off, and the next day I received another letter from Maine Housing telling me my rent was raised by $10.

So for a $10 raise I was docked $22. I’m sure I am not the only one who feels that I don’t know why they give us a raise, then take it away and more.

I just had to get this off my chest, for I am very upset. — No Name, Livermore Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots can understand why you are upset, but the items you are comparing are not related and are administered by different entities.

Your Social Security raise is based on the cost of living allowance and set by the federal government, while your benefits (food stamps and reduced-cost housing) are administered by Maine but include federal money.

Congress voted last year to reduce SNAP (food stamp) benefits as part of the Agriculture Reform bill. 

As for your housing, Sun Spots does not know why your rent went up. There may have been cuts in programs, but it might also just be a standard increase such as renters who pay full price have their rents raised regularly. You should ask your landlord.

One of the many problems with the current system of social welfare programs (which include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8 housing and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is that they are administered separately by different agencies and/or governments.

A recent news story noted it is nearly a full-time job for someone who qualifies for all the various state, local and federal social welfare programs to fill out and maintain all the proper paperwork required to obtain and maintain those benefits.

That same division of authority between governments also makes it easier for fraudsters to avoid detection. And confuses the heck out of ordinary people.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Jan. 21 you stated to leave notes on the mailbox for the newspaper carrier. Why would you when the newspaper carrier knows not to use the mailbox for newspaper delivery? The mailbox is for mail, as are the hangers under the mailbox. — Jim The Mail Carrier

ANSWER: Sun Spots should have chosen her words more carefully. What she meant is that you can leave notes for the mail deliverer in the mailbox and notes for the newspaper carrier in the tube.

The reason why she thought of this is that her driveway is frequently impassable, so she leaves the mail carrier a note telling her where to leave packages. Most people don’t face this situation, so mentioning it was unnecessary and she shouldn’t have.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You provide a great service for the local community. Thank you. The Woman’s Literary Union of Auburn is looking for two- and/or three-tier serving trays for use at upcoming teas.

If any readers have a two- or three-tiered server they are no longer using and would be willing to donate, we would be most grateful. Please call Liz at 782-7540. — elizabethfeeley@sml.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Temple Historical Society is busy archiving donations and we are looking for dress forms or mannequins to display clothing that we would like the public to be able to view. If anyone knows where we may find any, please contact the society at P.O. Box 375, Temple, ME 04984 or call 778-0837. Thank you. — No Name via email

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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