Hailey
Many seniors in the United States depend on Social Security to cover basic needs like food, housing, and medical care. But as prices continue to rise across the country, many older adults feel their monthly payments are no longer enough.
To address this problem, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced a new bill that aims to increase Social Security benefits, especially for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses. Her goal is to update outdated rules and make sure seniors are treated more fairly.
What the New Social Security Bill Does
Senator Gillibrand, along with several other lawmakers, introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act. This bill is designed to modernize Social Security by fixing old restrictions that prevent many seniors from getting the full benefits they deserve.
Senators Richard Blumenthal, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, and Patty Murray have joined her in supporting this legislation.
Gillibrand explained that many widowed seniors, especially women, worked their entire lives and paid into Social Security. However, outdated policies have kept them from receiving fair benefits. The SWIFT Act aims to correct this problem and give seniors more financial stability.
Key Changes Proposed in the SWIFT Act
The SWIFT Act updates several rules so surviving spouses and families can get better support. Below is a simple table showing the major improvements.
Simple Table:
| Proposed Change | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Removes outdated benefit caps | Survivors receive full benefits without unfair limits |
| Allows disabled widows/widowers to get 100% benefits | Disability or age will not reduce their survivor payments |
| Expands child-in-care benefits | Helps surviving spouses caring for young or dependent children |
| Fixes legal restrictions and claiming rules | Reduces delays and barriers when applying for survivor benefits |
These changes are meant to make the system easier to understand while giving families more money during difficult times.
Why This Bill Matters for Seniors
Senator Gillibrand says seniors should be able to retire with dignity, not struggle to survive. Many older adults face high medical bills, rent increases, and rising food prices. Because of these challenges, the SWIFT Act is seen as a major step toward strengthening Social Security.
Senator Blumenthal also emphasized that Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Americans. He said many survivors face unnecessary hurdles when trying to access benefits. Removing these barriers means more people can receive the full amount they have earned.
Who Supports the SWIFT Act
Many national organizations support this legislation, including groups that focus on senior rights, social welfare, and disability support. Some of these organizations include:
- AFL-CIO
- AFSCME
- National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
- Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement
- Social Security Works
- Alliance for Retired Americans
- Justice in Aging
These groups believe the SWIFT Act will help protect vulnerable seniors who depend heavily on Social Security.
Gillibrand’s Other Efforts to Support Seniors
Senator Gillibrand has also introduced other bills aimed at improving benefits for older adults. One major proposal is the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, which would add an extra 200 dollars per month to Social Security checks until July 2026.
She also introduced the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act, which would update how cost-of-living adjustments are calculated so benefits better match real expenses.
Senator Gillibrand has also opposed recent cuts and staffing reductions at the Social Security Administration. She argues that these changes make it harder for seniors to get help, file claims, and receive correct payments.
She has even introduced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act, which she says is meant to undo harmful changes from past administrations.
The SWIFT Act represents a meaningful effort to update Social Security and support millions of older adults who rely on survivor benefits. With rising living costs, seniors need a system that is fair, accessible, and strong enough to meet their needs.
Senator Gillibrand’s work shows her commitment to helping widows, widowers, and families receive the financial support they earned through years of hard work. If these changes become law, many seniors will find greater stability and dignity in their retirement years.