Seniors to Treasury: We need our Social Security!

Hundreds of readers wrote to CNNMoney saying how much they depend on Social Security payments to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and medicine in their cabinet. Even a one-month delay could wreak havoc on their lives, not to mention send their stress levels soaring.

Libby Rowe already knows how she’ll use her Aug. 3 Social Security disability check, which comes to about $1,000. She needs it to pay the mortgage and utility bills. If it doesn’t arrive, she won’t be able to put gas in her car and will have to cut back on groceries.

“I have no one else to depend on but that check,” said Rowe, 54, who lives in Bunker Hill, W.Va. “I live month-to-month. It’s a lifeline.”