THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE
~ Trusted ~ Independent ~ Effective ~

July 12, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

National Seniors Organization Urges Debt Ceiling Negotiators to Reach Resolution so Seniors Can Count on Receiving Social Security Checks

Washington Cannot Break Its Promise to our Nation's Seniors

President Obama announced today that he cannot guarantee Social Security payments will go out on August 3 if the debt ceiling is not raised by August 2.  The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare urges all parties to the debt talks to reach a swift resolution to this situation.  Senior citizens will not accept the uncertainty of whether next month's check will be mailed.

Social Security payments are more than half of the monthly income for six in ten seniors.  Almost fifty percent of elderly women rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their total income.  If Social Security payments are not issued on August 3, our oldest and most vulnerable citizens will face unthinkable hardships. 

Social Security is financed through workers' FICA contributions, a dedicated funding source. The National Committee calls on the Administration and Congress to assure that the proceeds from these contributions be used for their intended purpose - to pay Social Security benefits to the beneficiaries who have earned them.

 "Never in its entire history has Social Security missed a payment. We should never see that day." Max Richtman, NCPSSM Executive Vice President/Acting CEO. 

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.

Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org