FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. — The non-profit advocacy organization 82 & Up today announced the delivery of 50,554 petitions to Members of Congress, calling for the immediate passage of The Elder Poverty Relief Act, legislation designed to strengthen Social Security benefits for the nation’s oldest retirees.
The petitions represent the voices of older Americans and their families who are struggling to keep up with rising healthcare, medical, and prescription drug costs later in life. Supporters of the bill say current cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) fail to reflect the real expenses seniors face as they age.
“The message from older Americans is clear: they’ve earned their Social Security, and they deserve benefits that keep pace with the realities of aging,” said John Mucci, Executive Director of 82 & Up. “This is not about a handout. This is about fairness, dignity, and honoring a promise.”
The Elder Poverty Relief Act—referred to by 82 & Up as The Elder Relief Act—would:
- Increase monthly Social Security benefits for older retirees by $85 per month, and
- Provide an automatic 4 percent annual increase to better reflect rising costs associated with aging.
Healthcare expenses, long-term care needs, and prescription drug costs disproportionately impact older retirees, yet Social Security COLAs are based on spending patterns that do not adequately represent those realities. Advocates argue that the result is a slow erosion of purchasing power for seniors who rely most heavily on Social Security.
“Americans contribute to Social Security throughout their working lives,” Mucci added. “They keep their end of the bargain. Now Congress must keep its promise in return.”
82 & Up was founded to advocate on behalf of America’s oldest citizens—those most vulnerable to poverty, medical hardship, and financial insecurity in retirement. The organization is using its platform to share news, information, and updates related to Social Security and The Elder Relief Act, while mobilizing grassroots support nationwide.
“They did so much for us and for America,” Mucci said. “Now it’s time we do something for them.”