For millions of older Americans, Social Security is the primary, and often the only, source of income in retirement. Despite its importance, the benefits it provides are falling dangerously short of what seniors need to live with dignity.
The reality is that Social Security simply hasn’t kept pace with the rising cost of living. While inflation continues to drive up prices for essentials like groceries, housing, and healthcare, the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) fails to keep up. In 2025, the COLA was just 2.5 percent, a modest bump that does little to offset the real-world expenses older adults face every day.
This shortfall hits hardest for the most vulnerable retirees: those on fixed incomes with no other savings to rely on. The gap between what Social Security provides and what seniors actually need is growing, and it’s past time for Congress to act.
That’s why we’re calling for support of the Elder Relief Act, a vital piece of legislation that would give Social Security recipients an additional $85 per month and implement a 4 percent annual increase in benefits moving forward. This would provide meaningful relief and better reflect the true costs retirees face.
Take Action Now: Contact your representative and urge them to support the Elder Relief Act. Our seniors deserve more than survival—they deserve security. Let’s make sure Washington gets the message and takes action.
We are working constantly to bring news and information to American seniors. See all our latest updates here.