Pat Serrault, 84, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is worried about her future. She retired at 72 after 58 years of hard work and paying into Social Security. “It’s my money.
It isn’t a whole lot in the scheme of things, but I earned it,” Serrault said. “The system put it away for me, and I would like to keep it so that I can remain independent for the time I have left.”
Recent changes have raised concerns about timely payments and potential benefit cuts. Serrault fears what could happen if both Social Security and Section 8 housing are impacted.
“I’m going to be on the street unless there’s some kind of safety net that could be developed,” she said. After paying bills, she has about $250 to $300 left for food each month, if she’s “lucky.”
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury, want local Social Security field offices to stay open. These offices provide essential services to over 468,000 New Mexicans who rely on Social Security, as well as another 55,000 who receive Supplemental Security Income.
Many New Mexicans share these worries. A survey by U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s team found that about 87% of nearly 600 people are concerned about the future of Social Security.
Social security worries in New Mexico
Cinda Gillilan, 63, an administrator at an assisted living facility in Silver City, is concerned about her financial future, despite her education and years of experience in social work. She and her partner have little savings and no 401(k).
They may move to countries like Costa Rica, Portugal, Italy, or Malta, where their Social Security could go further. Carolmarie Seager, 66, moved to Wales in 2018 for financial reasons and to escape the U.S. political climate. Delays in her Social Security payments this month have increased her worries.
Alyna LaValley, 66, of Truth or Consequences, fears that efforts to rescind transgender rights could further impact the Social Security benefits she and her husband depend on. Any cuts would leave them homeless. There is no American dream.
People can’t afford to buy houses. There’s no way to get ahead. It’s gone,” she said.
New Mexicans want state officials to prepare for possible disruptions to Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. They are calling for action to protect vulnerable people who rely on these vital programs.
Image Credits: Photo by Maddy Baker on Unsplash
