For many San Diego seniors, their income from pensions, SSI, Social Security and other forms of government assistance are not enough to provide for their costs of daily living and medical expenses that are either ongoing or unexpected, and things are only getting worse. After the state tried to decrease their budget gap last month by reducing SSI by $37 for seniors and disabled citizens last month, this month, payments have been reduced by an additional $20.

For seniors who have already been struggling to make ends meet, this can make or break their accessibility to health care and senior care services. While some seniors might be able to cut back on other expenses in order to make up for a loss of supplemental income, there are many San Diego seniors that rely on the funds to survive; and now that they’re no longer being distributed, seniors might have to choose between eating that week, picking up their required prescriptions, receiving in-home senior care services, or even going to the hospital or doctor when they believe they need treatment or medical attention.

As the country suffers as a result of the economic downturn, it’s those who need the assistance most that are finding themselves at a disadvantage; without other sources of income to support themselves, a reduction in supplemental assistance can make the difference between a healthy, happy life and an early trip to the grave.

Sources:

1. 10 News

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