In the wake of the recent announcement that there will be a 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026—just an additional $56 per month on average—a group of senate Democrats recently introduced the “Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act,” which would expand Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits by $200 per month for six months.
The bill was introduced by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who serves on the Senate Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Armed Services, and Finance, as well as the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Bill co-sponsors include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
“While Donald Trump sends $40 billion to Argentina, I’m proposing sending American seniors on Social Security an extra $200 a month to offset higher prices. The cost of everything from coffee to beef to health care is up, in large part due Trump’s chaotic tariffs, and Democrats are fighting to deliver some financial relief and lower costs for Americans,” Warren said.
“Seniors face difficult decisions as they see their bank accounts shrinking and the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is simply not reflective of the current reality.”
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
“Trump campaigned on lowering costs, but all he has done is raise tariffs, slash healthcare benefits, and sabotage energy projects, increasing prices on everything from groceries to electricity,” Schumer said. “Seniors face difficult decisions as they see their bank accounts shrinking and the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is simply not reflective of the current reality. I urge Republicans to join with us to help offset the cost of Trump’s inflationary trade war and give seniors the money they deserve.”
With no bipartisan support, the bill faces long odds of advancing in the Republican-controlled chamber. This despite polling from Data for Progress showing the proposal is overwhelmingly popular with voters across party lines, with support from 82% of Democrats, 81% of Independents, and 84% of Republicans.
The Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act would provide relief to Americans living on a fixed income by:
• Providing a $200 per month emergency increase to Social Security checks until July 2026.
• Support all Title II Social Security beneficiaries, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries, Railroad Retirement beneficiaries, veteran disability compensation, and veteran pension benefit annuitants.
A press release announcing the bill’s introduction mentioned that half of all American seniors rely on Social Security for half of their income, while Social Security is the sole source of income for one in every four seniors. Due to stringent eligibility requirements, SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are even more likely to be the sole source of income for their beneficiaries. Over half of seniors’ monthly spending is on housing, food, and transportation—all basic necessities that the bill’s sponsors say are only “becoming less affordable in Trump’s economy.”
“Seniors, families and Americans with disabilities can’t keep up with the higher costs Donald Trump is inflicting on the country. Trump has fanned the flames of inflation and passed out tax breaks to billionaires, betraying his promises to lower costs yet again,” said Wyden. “Democrats are fighting back to help seniors afford basic necessities while Trump refuses to lift a finger.”
SEE ALSO:
• New Bill Targets Social Security COLA Formula
• It’s Official: Social Security COLA Set at 2.8%