I live in central NY State, and receive social security and a pension. I'm fortunate in that I can pay my utility bills every month, but for some reason, National Grid is sending letters and making phone calls to everyone, advising them of being able to get help with their utility costs. I got the impression that they were pushing the HEAP program (Home Energy Assistance Program). I tossed the letter in the garbage and hung up on the recorded message when they called my home.
Yes they are pushing the HEAP program. Same as the ‘free’ cell phone ads we see on TV.
Not all are going to be as fortunate as to have both a pension and SS. For many SS is all they have. And women’s SS is lower on average than a man’s, because she earned less or worked less.