Living With Social Security: Small Dreams and Safety Nets

By JOHN LELAND and JODI WILGOREN

Published: June 19, 2005

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Barbara Amberg used her Social Security checks to fly to New York and see Christo's "Gates" in Central Park. Shirley Malone lives on hers in subsidized public housing, sometimes washing her clothes in dish detergent to save money.

For Joseph Cohen, a businessman who lost his business, Social Security is the safety net he never thought he would need. "We're talking about a fortunate guy who had assets to put away," Mr. Cohen said. "But without Social Security I would be in bad shape."