Vulnerable Seniors: Social Security “Notch Baby” Reform

Americans born from 1917 through 1926 receive Social Security  benefits that are lower than those for persons born before or after this period with the same earnings record.  This long-standing injustice has shortchanged Social Security beneficiaries known as “Notch Babies” since 1977.  The term “Notch Baby” refers to the disparity in Social Security benefits currently being paid to people born between those years.  Done mistakenly, this has caused serious harm to the benefits of those notch babies. The standard of living and /or financial condition could change for many with the increase in money owed to them i.e. be able to buy more food to eat properly and eat more healthfully.

Legislation has recently been introduced in the U.S. Senate and House that, if passed, will result in a settlement payment of a Social Security benefit check in the amount of $5,000 to these “Notch Babies.”  It is my opinion that, passage of this critical Social Security reform legislation is long overdue.  The bills are titled The Notch Fairness Acts of 2009 and were introduced into the Senate by US Senator David Vitter of Louisiana and into the House by US Representative Ralph Hall of Texas.  This legislation will finally correct this injustice, but as we know, congressional passage is not guaranteed—not by a long shot.

I would urge you to ask your Senators and your Representative to co-sponsor( S.81 and H.R.1067) “The Notch Fairness Act.”  This would be a giant- step- forward for our American Senior Citizens.  It seems that many members of Congress do not understand this Notch Baby issue and the unfair burden it places on our most vulnerable Seniors.  Please do what you can to assist in correcting the Notch Baby disparity by writing to Congress, helping the elderly, and giving every other Social Security beneficiary fair and equal treatment we all deserve.

Thank you for taking the time to read.