equalize Social Security payments for women who have stayed home to raise children.

Elderly women, who have stayed home to raise children, are only eligible to receive half the amount in Social Security payments of their spouses. This is contributing to the higher poverty rates in older women. The husbands frequently have additional retirement plans through their employers, as well as higher earning power and ability to save, while these women depend entirely on Social Security. It's completely unfair for women to receive a lesser amount, while they have a much greater need.