Economically Dependent Persons Without Pension Coverage in Old Age

Bovnc persons, chiefly women, reach old age in a state of economac dependence witholct being able to qualify for a social securzty benefit-because thev neucr acquire insured status for themselves and do not belong to the group of dependents who qualify on the basis of relationship ‘to a retired or deceaeed insured worker. This article analyzes data front two Social Security Admznistration. aurceys und from ti6e Bureau of the Gen8us to provide an extamate of the size of this group and to determine who zcolrld bc covered by a broadened definition of dcpmdcncc. It appears that only a small proportzon of the ‘nonmarried aged or those approaching rctircnicnt-ma~nly women-lack qualification for 8ome social security benefit in their older years.