What would you do if your raise was just $5 a month? Seek Senate relief

[CountAllVotes]

Sens. Patty Murray of Washington state and Chuck Schumer of New York said the payments would help those who were denied a cost-of-living adjustment in 2016 and who are set to receive an average raise of $5 per month – or 0.3 percent –in 2017. It would increase the average monthly payment from $1,355 to $1,360 per month.

While the increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index, Murray said it’s “woefully inadequate for Washington state seniors to keep up with the ever-increasing costs of everyday life.” And Schumer said that too many retirees are financially vulnerable and that Congress needs to help “make up for their lost dollars.”

<snip>

Schumer noted a precedent for the legislation, with Congress approving a $250 onetime payment for Social Security recipients in 2009 to help them get through the recession.

He said the extra $581 would be equal to three months of groceries for most seniors and that the emergency payment could also help them pay for out-of-pocket expenses for the prescription drugs they receive under Medicare.

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/article110587127.html#storylink=cpy

Woefully inadequate? I think it is plain criminal! Let any which one of these people in power try living as a disabled person or any one else on Soc. Security on >$1,000.00/mo. which is the case in far too may households! This is not even $5.00 a month, it is more like $3.00 a month!

The blindfold works well but after awhile, even the blindfold gets old and develops holes in it!

[Coolest Ranger]

1. I am on social security disability

I only get roughly 1100 a month. I'm trying to write short stories and sell them. If I can get one short story with a pay out of 700 extra dollars a month, I would not have to stress about being short on food at the end of the month like I am. I wouldn't have to beg family for help which i hate, I could buy new clothes and shoes which I need. Be nice if I could sell one or two of my TV projects

[brer cat]

6. That would be wonderful, CR!

Hand-to-mouth existence is incredibly stressful and soul destroying. I hope you are successful with your stories.

[Scarsdale]

2. Equal

As a senior citizen, I have been in favor of having the politicians get the SAME raise as we senior get. I know their paycheck is "pocket change" to them, since they all seem to become millionaires during their terms. Where is all that money coming from - lobbyists and their owners?

[Buns_of_Fire]

3. LESS than $5/month for many.

Remember, those on Medicare Part B also have the premiums deducted from their SS payments -- and since the premiums will probably increase next year, it may well wind up as a net 0.0% increase for some.

0.3% may not be criminal (it's a set formula, after all), but it's pretty damned insulting.

[Vinca]

4. The most vulnerable in society are the ones victimized. They're easy to take advantage of and they

can't afford lawyers. Meanwhile, those of us on SS and still working are subsidizing the Trumpenfuhrer and his failure to contribute his fair share to running the country.

[CountAllVotes]

5. It works out to a bit over $6 a day for food

How many can eat well on $6 a day?

I hope they pass this soon as many are slipping through the cracks quickly.

Those with savings accts. having nothing much to prop themselves up with being they pay 1% if lucky.

Sad situation to say the least and pathetic!

You don't get anything from Soc. Security or SSDI if you have not paid into it. It is not a freebie for many of us out there, disabled or not.