A bill introduced by Senate Democrats would provide a six-month boost to Social Security benefits received by millions of Americans each month. The Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act calls for an extra $200 per month to be distributed monthly to beneficiaries as a way to combat rising prices and inflation.
If approved, the boost would be paid out starting in January 2026 and run through July 2026. The 71 million Americans who receive monthly Social Security benefits along with the 7.5 million who get Supplemental Security Income payments would be eligible for the payments.
The $200 increase would also cover those receiving federal railroad retirement payments, disabled veterans and those receiving veterans’ pensions.
“Seniors face difficult decisions as they see their bank accounts shrinking and the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is simply not reflective of the current reality,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “I urge Republicans to join with us to help offset the cost of Trump’s inflationary trade war and give seniors the money they deserve.”
The bill, introduced on Oct. 30, was sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Eleven other Democratic senators are co-sponsors of the bill.
The bill was introduced after the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was announced on Oct. 24. The 2026 COLA came in at 2.8% which works out to an average monthly payment increase of $56. Despite an increase, senior advocates have repeatedly said the COLA is not enough to keep up with inflation.
“The 2026 COLA is going to hurt for seniors. Year after year, they warn that Social Security’s meager increases won’t be enough, and the Census Bureau estimates that about 10 percent of retirement-age Americans live in poverty,” said Shannon Benton, director of the non-partisan senior advocacy group The Senior Citizens League.
“However, our research suggests that the number may be higher. It’s about time our elected representatives show up for seniors, or else seniors won’t show up for them at the voting booth.”
The proposed $200 increase would be on top of the COLA, which goes into effect in January 2026. The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.