Biden struggles to land lines as Trump lies in first presidential debate
US social security will no longer deny disability claims based on ability to work outdated jobs
March 2024
‘Not on my watch’: Biden pledges to stop cuts to social security and Medicare
The president made the comments after Donald Trump suggested ‘there is a lot you can do’ in terms of cutting popular programs
March 2023
Matthew Desmond: ‘The poverty rate in America and the UK should be zero – and I think we can get there’
For the Pulitzer prize-winning author of Evicted, a heartbreaking study of the American housing crisis, bearing witness was not enough
February 2023
Texas students raise $250,000 for 80-year-old school janitor forced out of retirement
After Mr James’s rent increased by $400, he had to go back to work, but students raised enough funds for him to retire again
October 2022
Social security recipients to get 8.7% boost in benefits – highest in 40 years
Historic increase means average recipient will receive over $140 extra a month along with a 3% drop in Medicare Part B premiums
July 2021
‘I can’t live on $709 a month’: Americans on social security push for its expansion
Calls for reform include increasing benefits in line with cost of living as employers provide fewer retirement pensions
October 2020
Project Syndicate economists
Which aspect of US economic inequality is most worrying?
Michael Boskin
There are many means by which government and the market can improve opportunities
September 2020
Pizza delivery man, 89, gets $12,000 tip – what's wrong with this story?
TikTok followers showed their generosity to Derlin Newey but the tale is as troubling as it is heartwarming
February 2020
Politicians have lied about social security. The US must elect someone who'll fight for it
Mark Weisbrot
Social security helps millions, but America’s largest anti-poverty program remains vastly misunderstood
May 2017
Food stamps: a lifeline for America's poor that Trump wants to cut
Residents of the Congress Heights section of Washington DC tell of the devastating impact the president’s plan to cut food stamps would have on their families
February 2017
America's housing crisis: 'A problem we need to hate more’
Sociologist Matthew Desmond on the genesis of Evicted, his acclaimed book about the housing crisis gripping the US
February 2016
How New York City’s parents took on the welfare system – and changed it
Lesson from America
How the US is tackling homelessness – can Britain follow its lead?
Mary O'Hara
January 2016
When we deny food stamps to ex-offenders we set them up to fail
Chandra Bozelko
There’s no question that returning citizens should get the assistance they need – not doing so is cruel and foolish
October 2015
The Society interview
US professor warns UK of consequences of cuts and extreme poverty
Kathryn Edin says the UK should think very carefully before following the US approach and cutting welfare to the bone
August 2015
Martin O'Malley to campaign on expansion of social security
Democratic hopeful will lay out goal of ensuring within two terms of office that 50% of Americans have enough retirement savings
July 2015
Bernie Sanders solidifies appeal to retirees with social security pitch
Democratic presidential hopeful renews calls for expansion of benefits and warns that Republicans will try to undermine Medicare and pensions
May 2015
People with Nazi past collected $20.2m in US retirement benefits, says report
Findings by US inspector general, seen in advance by Associated Press, say 130 linked to wartime atrocities were able to receive social security payments
December 2014
Congress summons bipartisan spirit to end benefits for Nazis
Measure heads to Obama’s desk as Republicans call on White House to explain how Nazis received benefits
