Last Defense

An A.P. poll shows we are concerned about the homeless. We should be, since their numbers have increased to more than half a million in the last 20 years.

Now the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities tells us that Social Security is the last line of defense against poverty for millions of seniors across the country:

Social Security benefits have a powerful poverty-preventing effect among the elderly. An analysis of Census data shows that nationwide, Social Security benefits lift nearly 13 million seniors age 65 and older above the poverty line.

Leaving aside Social Security income, nearly one of every two elderly people — 46.8 percent — has income below the poverty line.

Once Social Security benefits are taken into account, just one in twelve — 8.7 percent — is poor.

Social Security is a social insurance program that provides the weak, the poor and the elderly a modicum of dignity in their time of need.

Imagine where those 13 million seniors would have been without Social Security. Are we prepared to see the elderly homeless and living on the streets?

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