The well-being of poor older people is a concern for society. Two random samples of people, 65 years old and older, were taken in Cleveland, Ohio--1,300 from the general population and 194 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Both samples were interviewed in 1975 and 1976, and a well-being status was developed for each person in the areas of health, security, loneliness and outlook on life. Service information on 28 different services was obtained from 130 agencies. Older people receiving SSI were generally worst off in all levels of personal condition; for example, only 40% of the SSI sample could do all daily tasks without help while 60% of the general sample could do them all without help. Thirty percent of the SSI sample who needed help with daily tasks had unmet needs as compared to 40% of the general sample. However, 67% of the SSI sample with illnesses were not receiving full medical treatment as compared to only 58% of the general sample. (Although geographically specific, the data point out needs of a population toward which much current research is directed.) (Author/CKJ)