The Disabled and the Poor Elderly: Preferred Groups for Public Support?

This study examined differences in public willingness to support tax financed social services for elderly persons who are poor or physically disabled, adults under 65 who are poor or disabled, children who are poor or disabled, and victims of natural disasters. Results showed that the Chicago public differentiated among the groups linking the needs of the group to the nature of the service. Overall, the poor and disabled elderly received the highest level of support. Furthermore, different race, sex, income, and age groups agreed on the priorities of groups to receive support.