DESC: This book provides an understanding of the importance and impact of the Social Security program on society. Human services professionals need to be educated about the program so that they can advocate their clients to make informed decisions. Included are descriptions of the Social Security and Medicare program benefits, eligibility requirements, and application processes. The book provides the framework to assist readers in the development and analysis of the impending financial crisis of the Social Security program. It summarizes a number of proposals to avert the problem, and assesses the policy implications of these plans. It suggests political strategies for promoting fair and adequate solutions to the program's financial problems. For human services professionals.