To the editor:

Active and retired military personnel and senior citizens command profound respect. Trying to keep up with Social Security changes can be a lot to digest. Check this out: In May, the average benefits for Social Security are around $1,903. This was increased from $1,783 in 2024. That means the typical senior can expect around $24,000 in annual benefits.

The provisions of Social Security have been changing since the 1930s, shifting in response to economic worries as well as coverage for the poor, dependent children, spouses, survivors and the disabled.

Senior citizens should be able to spend the rest of their lives enjoying their retirement without worrying about how to afford their necessities.

Now here is something to put more money into your piggy bank about. During the past 18 months, I have met two individuals, both 81 years old, on separate occasions. These two are currently working different jobs. They are not working because they want to stay busy; no, they are working because they have to and need to survive.

After listening to these two different individuals, they share the same story. They need to work due to the cost of groceries, medications and utilities, as their Social Security payments cannot keep up with the cost of living. That’s not OK. No person that age should have to work just to survive.

Social Security is undoubtedly supposed to be a life-saving financial lifeline for millions of Americans, but it’s far from the easiest program to keep up with. That’s been the case since the first monthly benefits began in 1940, and there’s no reason to believe that’ll change.

Fears of a Social Security shortfall have loomed for decades. I am 50 years of age and was told when I entered the workforce in the early 1990s era, that the funds would more-than-likely be depleted by the time I retire.

Every dollar matters for everyone, especially those collecting Social Security. An estimated $2,000 per month — it sounds like a lot, but if you’ve ever tried to live off that amount of money, you know it won’t get you very far.

I yield back.

Edward L. Hale

Carrollton