Final answer:
The statement is True; Social Security has specific eligibility requirements and does not provide assistance based solely on economic need (A). It is designed to support the elderly, unemployed workers, the disabled, and dependents, and benefits are based on prior wages earned.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that even if Americans are in dire economic need, they may not qualify for the Social Security program is True. While Social Security is a broad safety net for many Americans, it has specific eligibility requirements. Notably, it provides financial assistance primarily to elderly Americans, unemployed workers, the disabled, and dependent children. Social Security benefits are based on wages earned while working and are not generally available to individuals who have not paid into the system through payroll taxes. Additionally, certain groups, such as dependent children or survivors of deceased workers, may also be eligible for benefits.
With over 48 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, the program has significantly reduced poverty rates among the elderly, from 35.2% in 1959 to 10.2% today. However, it's important to recognize that Social Security was not designed to fully replace other forms of income but rather to supplement them. The poorest Americans may not qualify solely based on economic need if they do not meet the program's other eligibility criteria.