Social Security Family Benefits

* Jon Cowan’s perspective on Social Security (“Boomer’s Burden on Generation X,” Commentary, March 23) accurately raises several issues that must be dealt with if the system is to survive, but it also misstates some of the facts about Social Security. Social Security is not just a “retirement policy,” it is a family protection plan. Not only are seniors entitled to benefits, but also the dependents and survivors of young workers who become disabled or die.

Many people attempt to compare their Social Security protection with private insurance and there is much talk that if the money deducted for Social Security were to be invested in a private pension program or private insurance these workers would come out ahead. This is questionable. No private pension or insurance provides the package of protection that Social Security provides. As a social insurance system, the program contains features designed to provide benefits to society as a whole. Private companies would simply not find it feasible or cost effective to provide such a package with the same features; that is, a package of protection that pays benefits to the worker and his family in retirement, death, or disability, that covers pre-existing conditions, that will not kick you out, with coverage that continues as long as you live and benefits that increase with the cost of living.

In the final analysis, however, the real value of Social Security is that it is there for us. It is a base of income on which we can build to meet our own lifestyle needs for financial security. Yes, we need reforms. Yes, we need debate. But let’s not do away with a program that is vital to the social well being of our nation.

MARIANA TALLEDA GITOMER

Public Affairs Specialist

Social Security Administration

Los Angeles

* I agree with Cowan that a major revision of the Social Security system is needed, and that Congress has acted cowardly in not making the necessary cuts. It’s ironic that the same federal government that once was so willing to send American citizens of Japanese descent into detention camps to protect the republic from a perceived threat, is now unwilling to even inconvenience seniors citizens to prevent certain economic calamity.

PAT PROFT JR.

Los Angeles