Thousands Are Missing Out on Some Social Security Benefits They Earned

Millions of retirees rely on Social Security benefits to make ends meet with one in four seniors relying on Social Security for more than 90 percent of income. A new report from the Social Security Administration found that tens of thousands of beneficiaries aren’t getting all the benefits they're entitled to.

This happens either because SSA made an error, or because individuals are unaware of their eligibility for benefits.

“It’s deeply concerning that so many Americans aren’t getting all the Social Security benefits they’ve earned over a lifetime of hard work,” said Alliance Executive Director Richard Fiesta. “Congress must take action to address flaws in the system and expand Social Security for current and future beneficiaries. We recommend that all retirees verify their eligibility and enrollment as soon as possible to make sure they are receiving their full benefits.”

Senate on Vacation While Millions of Americans Struggling

As the pandemic rages on, millions of Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities like food, medicine and housing. Unemployment rates have soared, hospitals are overrun with patients, and medical workers are exhausted and don’t have the equipment they need to protect their health.

Families need more financial assistance but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has sent the U.S. Senate home for Thanksgiving recess -- a holiday Americans have been advised to skip this year.

“The Senate shouldn’t be on vacation while Americans are hurting,” said Alliance President Robert Roach, Jr. “It’s time for them to get their priorities straight and help the American people by passing the HEROES Act -- a $3 trillion stimulus package that prioritizes people, not corporations, now.”

Help us fight for the HEROES Act: Please sign our petition and tell Senator McConnell to do his job and bring Senators back to Washington and pass coronavirus relief.  

These Front-Line Workers Could Have Retired. They Risked Their Lives Instead.

By Shoshana Dubnow, Kaiser Health News

Sonia Brown’s husband died on June 10. Two weeks later, the 65-year-old registered nurse was back at work. Her husband’s medical bills and a car payment loomed over her head.

“She wanted to make sure all those things were taken care of before she retired,” her son David said.

David and his sister begged her not to go back to work during the coronavirus pandemic — explaining their concerns about her age and diabetes — but she didn’t listen.

“She was like the Little Engine That Could. She just powered through everything,” David said.

But her invincibility couldn’t withstand COVID-19, and on 29 July she died after contracting the deadly virus.

Sonia’s death is far from unusual.

Read more by clicking here.

Reminder: Medicare Open Enrollment Period Ends Soon

Any changes you make during this time will go into effect on January 1, 2021.

You can visit eHealth to learn about all of the coverage options available to you, and compare them to your existing plan to see what best fits your needs. This is a free service and there is no obligation to change your plan or enroll. To speak to a licensed insurance agent at eHealth call 1-888-519-2029 (TTY users: 771) Monday - Friday between 8am - 8pm EST or visit their website.

For more information about open enrollment, visit Medicare.gov.

The Alliance wishes all our members a safe and happy Thanksgiving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines for celebrating Thanksgiving, noting that the safest way this year is to celebrate with people in your household who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 – or to plan a virtual Thanksgiving celebration.

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