the Townsend Plan

The Townsend Plan, proposed by Dr. Francis Townsend in the 1930s, aimed to address economic hardship during the Great Depression by providing financial support to older Americans. It suggested that the government pay all citizens aged 60 and over a monthly pension of $200, which they would be required to spend within the month. This was intended to stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending and help the elderly live with dignity. While it gained substantial public support, it was ultimately not implemented but influenced future Social Security legislation.