Hi, I am James Mann, the local historian for Ypsilanti, Michigan. The Social Security Administration has placed me on a financial roller coaster, and I am now on a steep downhill ride speeding toward a brick wall. I was recently informed that my monthly SSI payment of $962 was being reduced to $0, as of June 1, 2025.

This began on April 1, when I was interviewed by phone to determine if I was still eligible for SSI payments. As part of the interview, the worker asked a number of questions, one about property. She read off a list of possible properties, including cemetery grave lots. I informed her I have a cemetery lot, which was a gift about two years ago. The market value of the lot is $700. Because of the value of the lot, my income was determined to be over the $2,000 monthly limit. I have limited resources and only a small amount of money on hand.

I have chosen the goal as this should cover my needs over the months of June and July as I begin the transition into the next stage of my life, which will include YouTube videos of the history of Ypsilanti.