For millions of retired Americans, living on a fixed income is a year-round challenge, but the summer months can be especially difficult. With soaring temperatures come soaring utility bills, increased water usage, and the added expenses that come with travel and family visits. For seniors relying primarily on Social Security, making ends meet isn’t just hard; it can be nearly impossible.
Social Security, the primary source of income for many older Americans, was never intended to be the sole means of financial support in retirement. Yet for too many seniors, it is. And the reality is: it doesn’t go far enough. In 2025, the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) was a modest 2.5 percent — a number that falls short when compared to the rising costs of essentials like housing, gas, and healthcare.
While these expenses are burdensome year-round, summer brings additional strain. Utility bills spike as air conditioning becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Water usage climbs, and for those who want to travel to see loved ones or maintain some semblance of a social life, transportation costs can be prohibitive.
The bottom line? A 2.5 percent COLA simply doesn’t match the real-world increases seniors are experiencing every day.
That’s why the Elder Relief Act is so important. This proposed legislation would provide additional financial support for seniors over the age of 82 by increasing their benefits by $85 per month and guaranteeing a four percent increase every year after. It’s a vital step toward recognizing the dignity and contributions of older Americans, ensuring they aren’t left behind in retirement.
Take action today. Contact your representatives in Congress and urge them to pass the Elder Relief Act. Our seniors deserve more than just getting by—they deserve to live with security and respect. Your support can see that America’s elderly citizens have the retirement they earned.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, and see what we are doing to help seniors here.
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