You are probably going to hear a lot about Social Security in the run-up to the next election. Each party will be talking about what are sometimes called “Entitlements.” It is important for you, as a woman “of a certain age and distinction,” to know who really supports specific programs, especially Social Security.
Why? Because Social Security is one of the most important sources of money for women after age 65.
Really? Yes. Because women live so much longer than men. So we rely on Social Security (and Medicare) for a greater number of years and a greater number of dollars. As we women age, a bigger and bigger portion of our monthly income comes from Social Security!
How much do we rely on Social Security? Well, we have some figures for you. Women are who 65 and older, get more than half (or 58%) of their income from Social Security. And, as we get older, and spend down the money we had saved for retirement, we increasingly rely on Social Security for all or nearly all (90%) of the money we use to buy food, pay for housing, etc. By the time you pass your 80th birthday, many (38% ) of you will be completely or nearly completely (90%) reliant on Social Security.
So now you have to know the facts about Social Security. You have to know if Social Security will be there for you, your sisters, and your children. So start here, and then click on this link Social Security.
Remember, you have to think long and hard about a candidate and his stand on Social Security and other “Entitlements” So when you decide to vote for your representative in Congress, in the Senate, and for the President, make sure you vote for someone who will continue to support Social Security and so older women. Cut through the “stuff ” on those political commercials. Make sure you check out the truth about past voting behavior, key proposals (like budget proposals) made by each candidate, and cross-check with an independent fact checker.
Why? If you, or your sister or best friend, is one of the women who will rely on Social Security for 58% of her income from age 65 on through the rest of your life, you need to vote to make sure every candidate who has your backing will support Social Security.
footnote: I am drawing my facts based on 2010 statistics and analyzed by the National Women’s Law Center “Women and Social Security: Key Facts” May 20, 2011. Here is the link. http://www.nwlc.org/resource/women-and-social-security-key-facts)
