Latino older adults without supplemental security income

The purpose of this study was to explore the economic and social aspects of Latino older adults who are not eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as a result of the 1996 welfare reform policy-PROWRA (Public Law No. 104-193).; The sample consisted of 15 older adults, ages 65 and over, residing in Los Angeles County. The instrument, which was prepared by this researcher, consisted of 11 open-ended questions that explored the participants' financial situation, knowledge of social security and SSI, support systems, barriers, and knowledge of other services.; The results show that older adults face extreme financial disadvantages without the SSI service. Thirteen (86%) of the participants reported having no income, making them dependent on their families for financial support. A number of barriers in regards to becoming a naturalized citizen were found, including financial difficulties in paying for application fees, illiteracy, memory impairments, and medical problems that impact the capacity to gather information on citizenship.