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Hi ,
In 1934, half of seniors in the US lived in poverty. Today, less than 10% do. What changed? The US created Social Security, to provide for seniors and the disabled.
As many of you know, Social Security isn't quite enough to live off of and cover the cost of healthcare, leaving families to fill the gaps. Because many caregivers reduce their hours, don't take promotions, or leave the workforce entirely, caregivers lose out on about $140,000 in Social Security benefits.
With increased expenses and reduced earning, caregivers are especially likely to be among the 38.3 million working-age households without any retirement savings -- exactly the people who will need Social Security to get by. And yet, unpaid caregiving prohibits people from qualifying for benefits.
Take a minute to reach out to the politicians you support and ask them to continue to support Social Security and to work to improve services that provide dignity to the elderly and disabled. Today, 80% of Americans rely on or plan to rely on Social Security -- we need to make sure that people who contributed to the system can get the support they need and deserve.
You can read more on the AARP website and here's how to get in touch with your elected officials to let them know family caregivers -- and the people we're caring for -- need more support.
In solidarity,
PS. My first cat was named Roosevelt, after the president who signed Social Security into law. I have no idea why I picked that name, but it was a good choice!
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