Kentucky Social Security recipients commit suicide after benefits cut

By Naomi Spencer

19 January 2016

Hundreds of Social Security recipients in eastern Kentucky are threatened with the loss of their federal disability benefits in the new year, nearly a year after some 1,500 people were ordered to attend hearings to re-certify their eligibility. Several people have committed suicide due to the cuts, with additional risks lingering as the threat of further cuts looms.

Dozens gathered January 14 in Prestonsburg, in Floyd County, to meet with a legal team assembled to represent the impoverished residents. Attorney Ned Pillersdorf, who heads the legal counsel, told reporters at the meeting that several people have said they would kill themselves if they lost their benefits.

At least three recipients committed suicide last June after receiving benefit terminationyears ago, according to the legal complaint. Without the payments, he could not afford antidepressants or other basic care. He became despondent, and shot and killed himself.

Melissa Jude also died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after receiving the suspension letter. On June 2, the day she died, she had gone to the doctor to try to retrieve medical proof of her disability. The doctor told her it would take longer than the 10-day deadline that the federal investigation had imposed on clients to file for an appeal. After leaving the office, Jude pulled over onto the shoulder of the road and shot herself.

Most of the people being reviewed for benefits cannot afford an attorney. Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky Executive Director Robert Johns said the agency