Government Support Programs
Millions of people who are unable to work because of disability, family responsibilities or inadequate skills, must survive on a variety of programs that supply meager monthly benefits or support for necessities. WOW supports the continuation of strong social insurance programs and assistance for the disadvantaged and the disabled. Work and income supports should be available and accessible to level the field for workers and their families pursuing economic independence and opportunities even in difficult times, and through to retirement security.
Supplemental Security Income for seniors and disabled persons, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SNAP (formerly food stamps), the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Child Care Development Block Grant, Section 8, Section 202 and other housing and homeless programs must continue to be funded at their current levels or more because together they help form the patchwork quilt necessary for those with no other source of income.
Elder Economic Security
The Elder Economic Security Initiative promotes federal policy that supports economic security for older adults (age 65 and over). Through the Initiative, WOW and its partners are working to strengthen Social Security, expand access to home and community-based long-term care, improve the Older Americans Act and more to build economic security for today’s retirees and future generations.
National Elder Economic Security Iniative fact sheet (April 2011)
WOW recommends the Older American Act should increase focus on economic security and strengthen program coordination provisions (March 2011)
Building economic security for today and future generations (Winter 2011)
The Leadership Council on Aging Organizations advocates for budget principles that protect elder Americans' economic security (Winter 2011)