51% of Seniors Getting Smaller Social Security Checks
March 3, 2010
February 16, 2010 (Washington, DC) – A majority of seniors are receiving a smaller Social Security check this year than in 2009. The finding comes from an annual survey of elderly Americans, released earlier today by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan senior citizens advocacy groups.
Of seniors receiving smaller checks, one-in-three report receiving at least $31 less per month, and one-in-nine report decreases of $70 or more each month.
In addition, the survey found that:
• Almost two-in-three seniors (65 percent) estimate their expenses increased by at least $80 per month in 2009
• 45 percent of seniors cut back on visits to the doctor or hospital outpatient services
• 38 percent postponed filling a prescription or took less than prescribed
• 47 percent had trouble covering their heating, cooling, or electric bills
Social Security checks are lower since many seniors have their Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage premiums automatically deducted; some may also have been affected by significantly higher Medicare Part B costs.
Read full story at the Senior Citizens League.
