Social Security as Poverty Reduction Program

"Social Security has been instrumental in reducing the historically high levels of poverty among U.S. elders. The Census Bureau began measuring poverty in 1959. The share of elders counted as poor fell from 35 percent in that year to 15 percent in 1975, to about 10 percent in 2000, where it has hovered ever since."

"About 39 percent of young men and 31 percent of young women will die or become disabled before they reach retirement age, according to the Social Security actuaries. Social Security’s life and disability insurance helps prevent poverty among families that suffer these losses."

These are just two of the statistics reported in "Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity" at:

www.spotlightonpoverty.org/ExclusiveCommentary.aspx?id=8c9cf9cc-c5ba-4f1c-8681-a5fee0a364f9