U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the SAFE Social Security Act on Dec. 16, 2025, to expand Social Security benefits for retirees in Hawai’i and nationwide.
According to a statement by Sen. Schatz, the SAFE Social Security Act will:
- Phase out the payroll tax cap so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned;
- Adjust current benefits calculations to increase average monthly benefits by over $150; and
- Update the annual cost of living adjustment to better reflect the real costs that seniors face through the use of the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E).
Over 280,000 people rely on Social Security benefits in Hawai’i. This number is anticipated to grow to over 20% of the population by 2040, therefore pushing the need for expanded benefits.
“Social Security is the most successful safety net program in American history,” said Sen. Schatz. “My bill will expand Social Security, put more money in the hands of seniors who rely on it, strengthen the program for the next generation of retirees, and make sure everyone pays into the system equally.”
The SAFE Social Security is supported by the AFL-CIO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works, Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Teachers.