This week on What Else Happened, hosts and Rewire managing editors Kat Jercich and Regina Mahone are back to discuss how Social Security is leaving behind people with disabilities, a spike in hate-based violence against Asian people in the United States, and a solution to the domestic violence epidemic that is generating hope. Kat also chats with freelance writer Victoria Law about Cyntoia Brown, who was convicted of murder at the age of 16 in 2004, now that her case has recently gone viral.

An edited excerpt:

Kat: In October, the LA Times pointed out that the inadequate funding for the Social Security Administration shows up in “deteriorating customer service at every level.” And this week, the Orange County Register ran a piece revealing that disabled people who can’t work and who are waiting to hear from Social Security about whether they are eligible for disability pay are often made to wait more than two years for a hearing.

Regina: Two years?!

Kat: Two. Years. Often with little to no government aid from things like food stamps or state funds. More than a million Americans are being put on hold, trying to pay their rent or mortgages, in order to access funds that most of them have been paying into for their whole lives. According to the Register, more than 80 percent of people seeking a hearing have to hire outside help, which is even more money. The paper tells the story of one man who applied six years ago and has yet to receive a single check.

Recommended Reading:

Facing Years in Prison for Facing Abuse: Cherelle Baldwin’s Story Is Far From Unique, by Victoria Law

Is Social Security Cheating the Disabled? The Wait Time to Get a Hearing Is Nearly Two Years, by Margot Roosevelt

Asian Americans See Spike in Hate-Based Violence in Trump Era, by Auditi Guha

‘I suffered in my own home.’ Grant offers housing aid for domestic violence victims who can’t afford to flee by Lynh Bui

Transcript (PDF)