| 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. |
