Recently we received the following from one of our readers:
Both my wife & I are Notch Babies, and should have had higher Social Security benefits than we got. Instead of Congress fighting amongst themselves, we would be better served if they would pass a bill to catch up on our money. Are they waiting for us to die? I am 91, and my wife is 86. It’s a struggle to live on our benefits.
Notch Reform continues to be a major priority of seniors who turn 85 to 94 this year. After so many years of receiving lower Social Security benefits than other seniors having similar work and earnings histories, is it any wonder that the majority of “Notch Babies” believe Congress is waiting for the issue to quietly die away?
The Notch Fairness Act, legislation that would pay Notch Babies born from 1917 through 1926 a choice of $5,000 in four annual installments of $1,250 or an improved monthly benefit, was recently reintroduced in both the House and the Senate. Members of Congress have not forgotten about you and Notch reform may be closer than anybody thinks.
In our meetings on Capitol Hill, we’re frequently told that Notch reform would more likely be addressed when Congress takes action on comprehensive Social Security reform, as it appears to be interested in doing now. TSCL is meeting with Members of Congress to ensure that Notch Reform is considered.
The Notch is closely connected to problems that arose the last time Congress overhauled the Social Security benefit formula in 1977. A transitional benefit formula was provided to phase in the changes, and protect those closest to retirement from abrupt benefit reductions. The transitional formula was flawed however, and failed to provide the promised protection.
Over 3 million Notch Babies have joined TSCL’s grassroots fight for Notch Reform, by adding their names to the TSCL Notch Reform Registry. The registry acts as a list of senior Americans who are on record as supporting Notch reform and want Members of Congress to pass “The Notch Fairness Act” (H.R.1001) introduced by Representative Mike McIntyre (NC-7) and (S. 118) introduced by Senator David Vitter (LA).
The legislation would provide a $5,000 settlement payable in four annual installments of $1,250 or an improved monthly benefit for Notch Babies born 1917 through 1926 or survivors who receive benefits on their account.
Signatures on the Notch Victim Constituent Petition are also helping to convince more lawmakers than ever to co-sponsor “The Notch Fairness Act.”
