This week, we are looking deeper into the final right of our bill, The Senior Citizens Bill of Rights. Right 7 explains that:

“The Federal Government, elected officials, and federal employees are forbidden from referring to Social Security as a “Welfare” program. Senior Citizens have contributed to the system through a lifetime of hard work. Their benefits have been earned.”

Social Security is not a welfare program. Rather, it is officially described as an entitlement program – retirees earned it.

Looking at Definitions: Welfare vs. Entitlement

There are various reasons not to call Social Security a welfare program; of those reasons is the simple fact that the program is actually an entitlement program.

The Balance explains that welfare programs are inherently non-contributory; this means that they do not require individuals to contribute to the program to receive eligibility. Rather, individuals who qualify for welfare programs are those whose income is within the set limit.

In other words, welfare programs provide assistance to those without other alternatives.

In contrast, entitlement programs require contributions in order for individuals to become eligible. After a set amount contributed, these contributions made to the program mean, according to the law, the individual is entitled to the program.

Due to the nature of the eligibility process for Social Security benefits, the program described as an entitlement program.

Calling Social Security Welfare is Harmful

Calling Social Security a welfare program is not only an inaccurate statement but a harmful one.

Due to the typical connotations ‘welfare’ has, claiming Social Security is a welfare program insinuates senior citizens cannot live without government assistance. This is a conception that is simply not true.

Senior citizens have worked hard to earn their retirement and it is important to represent their hard work and dedication accurately. That is why right 7 is so important. Join us and urge the politicians in Congress to pass our groundbreaking bill by signing our petition now.