Paul Ryan Collected Social Security Entitlements Until Age 18

The government stepped in to help Congressman Paul Ryan and his family when his father died.

With his father’s passing, young Paul collected Social Security benefits until age 18, which he put away for college. To make ends meet, Paul’s mother returned to school to study interior design. His siblings were off at college. Ryan remembers this difficult time bringing him and his mother closer.

Within months, Paul’s maternal grandmother moved into the house. She suffered from Alzheimer’s, and it often fell on young Paul to care for her, including brushing and braiding her hair. Ryan credits his father’s death and the care of his grandmother as giving him first-hand experience as to how social service programs work.

Were it not for social programs, would Paul Ryan have acquired care for his family,  gone to college, and been able to enter politics so he could work to take away social programs?

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.