Austin, MN- Disabled and living below the poverty line, an area man says he's struggling to support both he and his son. Thousands of people across our area are receiving social security disability benefits.

In Cerro Gordo County alone the number reaches more than 1,100. Next closest is Winnebago County, with nearly 500 people. There are more than 2,000 in Olmsted County who claim federal disability checks every month, and nearly 1,000 in Mower County. In total across our viewing area, more than 6,500 people are receiving government disability payments.

However, for most that extra money isn't enough to keep them out of poverty.

Sometimes it can feel like he's up against the world.

"Me and my buddies used to get up and hunt before school," said Arnie Johnson.

A healthy 16 year old, Arnie Johnson says he noticed his energy levels slipping.  Then one day...

"I jumped onto the bus and my legs just gave out and I fell back."

Johnson started to learn the game of life would never be the same. A trip to the hospital revealed Johnson with myasteniagravis. It’s a disease that significantly weakens and limits use of his muscles.

"One day you could be up and almost looking normal, and the next day you might be laying flat in bed with no explanation."

Since he fatigues easily, and is sick for long periods of time, Johnson says finding a job is nearly impossible.

"Nobody wants to employ you. They don't know when you're gonna be there, when you're not gonna be there."

Now, he lives in a world where every move matters.

"You try to give your kids the best living you can."

Johnson's the single parent of a teenage boy. Their income consists of two social security checks.

"When you start making payments, by the time you're done there's not much left."

Each month he receives about $730 dollars for living expenses, and $200 for food. That’s less than $11,000 a year. The federal poverty standard for a two person household is $14,000 a year.

"I have had a few sleepless nights, some tossin and turning. A lot of thinking."

Then there's the move Johnson had no control over, that is costing him to this day. Normally, children of the disabled can collect benefits, which helps pay the bills. However, since Johnson started collecting off his dad's benefits at 16. His son isn't eligible to receive any financial help from social security.

"They need to change that. It doesn't even make sense."

Applying for social security benefits takes on average a year and a half. The Mower Council For the Handicapped in Austin helps people with disabilities. Barb Johnson says people have a long wait to see if they’re accepted, which can create an even more serious financial strain.

"We serve 500 individuals in a year and I'd say 99% of them are below poverty," said Barb Johnson.
 
If accepted, applicants then must understand how the system works.

"The rules when people are receiving benefits are confusing. It's a complex system," said Community Incentive Coordinator Shiela Stoeckel.

Shiela Stoekel tries to make the complex system a little easier to comprehend. She says many receiving disability don't understand the options for work that are out there.

"Focus on your ability, as opposed to your disability,” said Stoeckel.

She says finding a job doesn't necessarily mean they'll lose any benefits.

"They can increase their income, and not be forced to live in poverty."

But for Johnson that's easier said than done.

"If I was working a keyboard or anything, that would only go so far. I'd have to stop."

Now he says he's scrambling to figure out a way to make it to the next turn.

"We've been managing. I don't know how."

It doesn't take much to imagine where people might be without any disability income. KIMT talked with a man in Mason City who is has severe depression, and attention deficit disorder. He receives some social security disability income. He says it's a lifesaver, and keeps food on his shelves.

The number of people receiving social security disability is increasing significantly every year.
If you would like to help or need assistance applying for benefits, head to links we mentioned on this website.