Letter: Don’t penalize surviving spouses

Friday, Oct. 15, 1999 | 8:13 a.m.

I believe that when retirees are over 70 years old, the surviving spouse should collect the Social Security of the one who has passed away, along with his and/or her own Social Security amount. If both were still living they would be collecting both, so I see no reason why this cannot be continued.

This would enable the surviving spouse to maintain some dignity without the need for requesting additional government assistance. No need for seeking help from Welfare or Medicaid. Most importantly it would keep the surviving spouse from sleeping in doorways and off the street, which befalls many, many surviving spouses.

These elderly persons have contributed to Social Security for many years and a goodly number are working beyond the normal retirement age, because of need, up to age 73 and beyond. Why can't some common sense prevail? The elderly or what's left of us are usually veterans and their spouses. It is also our country and we served to defend it.

I believe this is a good idea that would cost much less in the long run, and its time has come. Why are we giving money to foreign countries when there is a need here in our own country?

RALPH E. BENNETT