[Zakeet]

Suppose the dollar collapses , say, next month in Sept. ... What happens to the US gov’t? what happens to people in my aunt’s situation? Do they still get paid?

Yes and no.

The government will continue to pay social security, Medicare, etc., but the government will be forced to print the money to do so because it can no longer borrow enough funds or collect enough taxes. This will increase the money supply and thus drive inflation. As a result, your aunt will still receive a payment of, say, $1,000 -- but because of inflation the money will only buy, say, $500 worth of goods and services at today's prices. In this example, her spending power will be cut in half.

[MissDairyGoodnessVT]

thanks for answering my question- i guess we can all breathe a little easier now :)