Analysis of interviews with 316 national, state, and local decision makers, drawn from both the public and private sectors, allows for an examination of factors which explain differential preferences among various decision makers for direct income subsidies as the best policy solution for the multiple problems affecting the elderly. Findings indicate the greatest support for income subsidies comes from (1) union local presidents and elected officials, (2) decision makers who define the problems and needs of the elderly as primarily financial (as opposed to psychological), and (3) decision makers with relatively low educational backgrounds. Educational level was associated with greater differences among private-sector decision makers than among public-sector leaders, indicating that social background variables may be important in determining policy preferences within the private sector, but that occupational role, particularly one's position in the decision-making hierarchy, is more important in the public sector.