The president recently spoke in support of an increase in Social Security benefits, but this wasn't always his take on the matter.

Almost 60 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits to help pay their living costs each month. So whenever lawmakers even hint at cutting this vital program, it's enough to get countless Americans up in arms. And several years ago, that's exactly what happened when President Obama suggested lowering Social Security benefits by changing the way cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated.

While that proposal never came to pass, it left a bad taste in the mouths of staunch Social Security supporters. However, earlier this month, the president changed his tune on Social Security. During a June 1 speech at Concord Community High School in Elkhart, Indiana, President Obama actively pledged his support for Social Security, calling for an expansion of benefits for those who need them. And though his days in the White House are numbered, the fact that he just endorsed strengthening the program gives hope to the millions of Americans who count on Social Security just to get by.