Social Security benefits for aged women, December 1993.

The A n n u a l Statistical Supplement to the Social Security B u l l e t i n is the most comprehensive compendia of administrative data on Social Security programs. The program data are often used to study current Social Security issues. The economic status of older women is among the topics being addressed. From the forthcoming 1 9 9 4 Supplement, we have highlighted benefit information on older women beneficiaries. In December 1993, 18.4 million women aged 65 or older received Social Security benefits. Monthly benefits for December totaled $10.5 billion; the average benefit averaged $571 (table 1). About 5.1 million women were aged 80 or older. The average monthly benefit for the 11.3 million women who had enough earnings in covered employment to qualify for retired-worker benefits was $595. These women consisted of two beneficiary groups: Worker only and dually entitled.