Faces of Social Security: Timothy M. Modlin

I spent 32 years in the Baltimore City school system. I was a teacher and then got promoted to assistant principal. I retired eight years ago with a pension, but then was diagnosed with cancer.

Timothy M. Modlin, 63, Maryland. — Photo by Matt Roth

Thankfully, I qualified for Social Security disability benefits. This money has helped me meet my financial obligations on a monthly basis. Without it, I wouldn't be able to get all the drugs I need. Some of my medications are for the side effects of chemotherapy, and my prescription drug benefit doesn't cover everything. Social Security also helps me with my mortgage payments, which take half my income. I probably would've lost my home without Social Security. I have credit card debt, so it helps me pay that, too. For me, Social Security is a godsend.

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