In an attempt to discern the extent to which the Social Security program was meeting the needs and expectations of persons entitled to benefits, the Social Security Administration of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare conducted a survey of a sample of people who recently filed for Social Security benefits or enrolled for Medicare. Approximately 19,108 persons chosen to represent a cross-section of the United States responded to a mail questionnaire. Respondents supplied information concerning their health, current employment, previous employment, pension plans, income, and attitudes toward Social Security benefits.