DEMAND EMERGENCY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT INCREASE

PETITION FOR EMERGENCY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT INCREASE
Ensuring Dignity and Survival for America's Seniors

TO: The United States Congress, the Social Security Administration, and the President of the United States

We, the undersigned, demand immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis facing our nation's senior citizens.

THE CRISIS

Millions of older Americans receiving Social Security benefits are facing an impossible choice between food, medicine, and basic survival. For seniors earning less than $35,000 annually through Social Security, the math is devastating:

- Average monthly costs: Rent/mortgage ($800-1,200), utilities ($150-300), insurance premiums ($200-400), prescription medications ($100-500)
- Reality: After paying essential bills, many seniors have less than $100 remaining for food, transportation, and emergency expenses
- The gap: An additional $1,000 per month is needed to provide basic dignity and quality of life

OUR DEMAND

We petition for an immediate emergency increase of $1,000 per month in Social Security benefits for all recipients currently receiving less than $35,000 annually.

This is not a luxury—this is about survival, dignity, and honoring the promises made to Americans who worked their entire lives and paid into the system.

THE MORAL IMPERATIVE

Our senior citizens built this nation. They worked for decades, paid taxes, raised families, and contributed to Social Security with the promise of security in their golden years. That promise is being broken daily as seniors:

- Skip meals to afford medication
- Choose between heating their homes and buying groceries
- Live in fear of unexpected expenses
- Sacrifice their health and dignity due to financial constraints

This is unacceptable in the wealthiest nation on earth.

FUNDING SOLUTIONS

This emergency increase can be funded through multiple revenue streams:

Immediate Revenue Sources

- Raise the Social Security tax cap: Currently, wages above $160,200 are exempt from Social Security taxes. Removing this cap would generate $165+ billion annually
- Close tax loopholes: Eliminate corporate tax breaks and wealthy individual deductions that serve no economic purpose
- Financial transaction tax: A 0.1% tax on stock trades would generate $60+ billion annually
- Reduce military spending: Redirect a portion of the $800+ billion defense budget to protecting our seniors at home

Long-term Sustainability

- Progressive taxation: Ensure the wealthy pay their fair share through higher tax rates on incomes over $400,000
- Corporate minimum tax: Strengthen enforcement to ensure large corporations pay at least 15% in taxes
- Medicare negotiation savings: Redirect savings from prescription drug price negotiations to benefit increases

THE SOLUTION: THE SENIOR DIGNITY ACT

We propose immediate congressional action on emergency legislation that would:

1. Provide immediate relief: $1,000 monthly increase for all Social Security recipients earning under $35,000 annually
2. Establish automatic cost-of-living adjustments: Tie benefits to actual living costs, not just inflation
3. Create a senior emergency fund: $5 billion annually for unexpected medical and housing costs
4. Expand Medicare coverage: Include dental, vision, and hearing care as basic rights

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

- 35 million seniors currently struggle to meet basic needs
- Healthcare costs continue rising faster than Social Security adjustments
- Housing costs have increased 40% in many areas while benefits remain stagnant
- Food insecurity among seniors has reached crisis levels

CALL TO ACTION

Every day we delay, more seniors suffer. Every week we wait, choosing between medicine and meals. Every month we postpone action, and more of our elders lose hope.

We demand:
- Emergency congressional hearings within 30 days
- Immediate temporary benefits increase while permanent legislation is crafted
- Transparent accounting of how these funds will be raised
- A timeline for implementation no later than 6 months from petition submission

ECONOMIC IMPACT

This investment would:
- Stimulate the economy: Seniors spend nearly 100% of their income locally
- Reduce healthcare costs: Better nutrition and living conditions prevent expensive emergency care
- Strengthen communities: Seniors who can afford to participate enrich local businesses and organizations
- Honor our values: Demonstrate that America cares for those who built our prosperity

CONCLUSION

The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. Our seniors are not asking for charity—they are demanding the dignity and security they earned through decades of hard work and contribution.

We call upon our elected officials to act with the urgency this crisis demands. Our seniors cannot wait for political convenience or partisan negotiations. They need help NOW.

Sign this petition if you believe that no senior citizen in America should have to choose between food and medicine, between heating their home and paying rent, between dignity and survival.

Together, we can ensure that America's promise to its seniors is kept.

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Petition initiated by concerned citizens demanding immediate action for senior dignity and survival.

*For more information on supporting this petition or organizing in your community, contact your local representatives and senior advocacy organizations.*