Local Senior Citizens Fear Late Social Security, VA Benefits
The debt debate rages on in Washington and if an agreement is not reached, President Obama has said social security checks and other government benefits may not go out on time. If this happens, some of the hardest hit Americans live right here in the desert.
Many of the residents at Windsor Court, an assisted living facility in Palm Springs rely heavily on their monthly check from the government. “I get a social security check, and I get some VA benefits, and that allows me to pay the rent here,” said Kent Randel.
He’s not alone. If the checks don’t come in on time, many of the residents will have to seek out other option to pay their bills, including falling back on their families. “I would have to depend on her and my other children if social security wasn’t paid,” said John Williams. “And I’m lucky that I have a backup like that. People that don’t have a family are going to suffer much more than I will.”
Aileen Moore has a family, but wouldn’t ask for help. “I have two children but they have their own lives, so, no, we wouldn’t ask our children to help us.”
As the August 2 deadline approaches quickly, one resident at Windsor Court has some advice for Capitol Hill. “Don’t be so greedy, right?” said Daisie Sampson. “They have to take it all away from us poor people, us elderly people. It isn’t fair.”
