Policy Changes Affecting Older Americans During the First Reagan Administration

Benefits for the aged are a prime target for policymakers seeking reductions in federal budget deficits. These benefits did not cause the large deficits, but Congress has cut spending on the aged, though not as deeply as requested by President Reagan. Cuts fell initially on the low-income aged, but middle-class benefits have been under recent attack. Federal budget cuts have not been fully replaced by funding from non-federal agencies.