ORLANDO, Fla. – On average 68 million Americans receive a benefit from Social Security every month, including 51.2 million retired Americans. That’s according to the Social Security Administration.
Every year that benefit gets a cost-of-living adjustment based the Consumer Price Index, which calculates the inflation rate.
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In 2023, a year with high inflation, recipients got an 8.7% increase in their benefits.
In 2025, the SSA says recipients will get a 2.5% increase. The average recipient will see an extra $50 a month in their checks.
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More and more seniors say Social Security isn’t enough to make ends meet.
Back in September, a News 6 viewer wrote to us and said:
“I have a question that I would like someone to get to the candidates. The question is why can’t you do something about the senior citizens that are on Social Security. We are drowning due to the inflation and economy being out of control. We are trying to live off of the same amount of money that we were living on five years ago. It just seems that nobody cares about the senior citizens and how they can live off of such a ridiculous amount of money with the economy and the inflation as bad as it is.”
News 6 viewer
We tried to take that question to Central Florida candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. House. We got answers from many of them, and we’ve shared those below. If more responses come in, we will share them.
US Senate
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Rick Scott (incumbent), Republican - Campaign Website
NOTE: Scott’s response comes from an interview we conducted with him. You can see the full interview by going to the story above.
Question: And what about on Social Security? We also have a senior population here that’s concerned.
“And Medicare. So here’s what’s scary. Medicare goes bankrupt in, like, 5 or 6 years. Social Security goes bankrupt, 11 to 13. What we’ve got to do is protect all the benefits, OK? So we’ve got to take Medicare. The way you fix Medicare is you’ve got to make sure the delivery process is less expensive. So you never have to worry about that’s what you have to do there with, with Social Security, you’ve got to make sure it’s clean. Those are two things. I have a bill that would protect both Medicare and Social Security benefits because that’s what we have to do. And there’s clearly ways you can make the delivery system in health care less expensive.”
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Democrat - Campaign Website
NOTE: Mucarsel-Powell’s response comes from an interview we conducted with her. You can see the full interview by going to the story above.
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“So the first thing we need to do is protect Social Security because I have been talking to a lot of seniors and they’re worried about that. And from a personal experience, my mom, her Social Security check is minimal. I mean, she lives with me, if she didn’t live with me, she wouldn’t be able to survive.
“We need to make sure that Social Security, we continue to make increases in the payments adjusted to inflation. I know that this administration did that, but it was still not enough. I do support, of course, not paying taxes. If you’re getting a minimum, a minimal amount in your Social Security check, you’re probably not going to have to pay taxes because you’re not at that income level. But how do we expand that coverage? And that’s the question. And it’s a revenue question. Where can we get the revenue stream to be able to support our seniors living in the state?”
Feena Bonoan, Libertarian - Campaign website
Neither Feen Bonoan nor her campaign staff did not respond to our question. Her website does not have anything about her stance on Social Security.
Ben Everidge, NPA - Campaign Website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“I am adamantly opposed to reducing or cutting seniors’ Social Security and Medicare benefits. The program can be made fiscally sound with prudent fiscal decisions on our federal budget and debt. Also, I support ending social security taxes for seniors 62 and older.
“Monthly benefits should be increased by a formula that better addresses the actual cost of living each year and considers how much a senior citizen has paid into the system over their working lifetime. That ratio needs to be revised today in favor of the retiree. Those resulting benefits would help the American economy and not hamper it.”
Tuan TQ Nguyen, NPA - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“I will surely vote to protect social security benefits because they are the only source of income for many of our senior citizens. There are several alternatives to secure this source of income. As an independent Senator, I am open to considering proposals from both parties to address the needs of ordinary American citizens instead of resorting to partisan fights, thus de-prioritizing American people’s interests. My immigration reform also includes an element to secure additional income tax from illegal/undocumented immigrants which could help contribute to the Social Security Fund which is depleting.”
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 3 (covering part of Marion County)
Kat Cammack, Republican (incumbent) - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“The cost of living has dramatically increased under the Biden-Harris administration. Seniors who rely on Social Security each month have seen meager cost of living adjustments (COLAs) to account for the inflationary pressures on our economy. My mother is Social Security aged and is going through the process with her drawing benefits for the first time, it has opened my eyes even more to what our seniors go through in this system.
“When we elect President Trump to his second term, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to stabilize our economy and ensure all Americans are able to live comfortably, not worrying about how to afford basic necessities on their income. I believe we have several creative solutions that will get inflation under control and put our country back on the right track.”
Tom Wells, Democrat - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“The problem of inadequate Social Security Benefits is simple in principle but impossible under the system of corrupt corporate funding of elections created by the Supreme Court. We know what to do: Don’t muck with the formula, don’t tax SSI, toss the Cap. The serious changes that we deserve require that we restore the Constitution that the Court has trashed. SSI was untaxed till Reagan 1983 (with overwhelming support off Rs and Ds in the donor-owned Congress).”
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 6 (covering part of Volusia and Flagler counties)
Michael Waltz, Republican (incumbent) - Campaign website
Neither Rep. Michael Waltz nor his campaign staff responded to our question.. His website does not have anything about his stance on Social Security.
James David Stockton III, Democrat - Campaign website
“Like your viewers I too am very concerned about our ability to be able to afford to retire and live comfortably after working to support ourselves, families, and our part through taxes (in) our country. I support genuine efforts to sustain Social Security benefits for all who have invested into them. I believe that we need to look at ways to make sure constant support of resources are there, and that we look at ways to bolster these resources through becoming better stewards of the dollars that have been paid into the system already and by looking for ways to bolster these funds to be equal to the coast of living.”
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 7 (covering part of Seminole and Volusia counties)
Cory Mills, Republican (incumbent) - Campaign website
Neither Rep. Cory Mills nor his campaign staff responded to our question. His website does not have anything about his stance on Social Security.
Jennifer Adams, Democrat - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“First, we need to work on changing the formula used to calculate benefits. Currently, it does not adequately account for the true cost of living, particularly as necessities like healthcare and housing continue to rise. By implementing a more accurate formula, we can help guarantee that Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation and other economic factors.
“Second, we need to conduct a timely and pragmatic assessment of the potential pros and cons of taxing Social Security earners and how the different components and overall process works, and where the gaps and improvements are needed. By relieving this financial burden, we can empower working families, seniors, and those with disabilities, while also consider strategies to sustain the program’s long-term viability.
“In addition to the above, it is important to also focus on increasing public awareness about Social Security benefits and the importance of planning for retirement. Many individuals are unaware of how their benefits are calculated or the options that are available to them. Providing educational resources and personalized counseling can empower people to make more informed decisions about their financial futures.
“We should also look into enhancing support services for those who rely on Social Security. This could include improving access to financial counseling and assistance programs, ensuring that beneficiaries understand their rights and options, and providing guidance on supplemental income opportunities and doing so in a more efficient and effective manner.
“Lastly, let’s not forget the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing these issues which require our elected leaders in Congress and at the local levels to be collaborative and work across party lines to create sustainable solutions.”
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 8 (covering Brevard County)
Mike Haridopolos, Republican - Campaign website
Neither Mike Haridopolos nor his campaign staff responded to our question. His website does not have anything about his stance on Social Security.
Sandy Kennedy, Democrat - Campaign website
Neither Sandy Kennedy nor her campaign staff responded to our question.
According to her campaign website, Kennedy says she would:
- Strengthen Social Security by raising the income cutoff to contribute to Social Security. The cutoff should approximate whatever is necessary to make the programs fully and sufficiently solvent, and rates may be lower. A “donut” to avoid overtaxing the lower portion of 1% would likely be required. The top 1%, minus the “donut,” should be taxed substantially more.
- Legislation protecting the retirement age from being raised
- Protect Social Security reserves and administrative staff from cuts
- Protect spousal and children’s Social Security death benefits from cuts
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 9 (covering parts of Orange and Osceola County)
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Thomas Chalifoux, Republican - Campaign Website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“Social Security benefits are for those who work and contributed into the system, which has not been the case. Congress has dipped into Social Security funds over the years. I will vote to ensure we increase the monthly benefits to keep up with cost-of-living increases. The social security must be critically audited to ensure we are not paying people that don’t deserve or have passed away but still are being sent benefits. My mother does not collect enough to live on and her family must supplement that shortage. I have witnessed the cost of housing, utilities, food and other necessities have double over the past 10 years. Another cause is short-sighted foreign polices by spending trillions of dollars in endless wars.”
Darren Soto, Democrat (incumbent) - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“I support the Social Security 2100 Act. This bill would enact an immediate cost of living raise for seniors. It would also raise the Social Security income cap and adjust payroll taxes to ensure Social Security is fully funded to 2100 and beyond.”
Marcus Carter, NPA - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“This issue is 100% the result of our broken two-party system and decades of failure. Fixing Social Security is mathematically simple, but the real problem is that it taxes the wealthy donors of both Republicans and Democrats, which is why it’s been allowed to reach this crisis point. I believe we need to have a conversation about whether Social Security is the best way forward in the long term, but not until we stabilize the program. If we remove the income cap of $160,000, we could actually lower withholding rates for everyone and secure the program for decades to come. Only then can we start discussing potential transitions, but first, we must stop the bleeding so the lives of millions don’t hang in the balance. Like many issues, we need to stabilize before we can talk about real change.”
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 10 (covering Orange County)
Willie J. Montague, Republican - Campaign website
Neither Willie J. Montague nor his campaign staff responded to our question. His website does not have anything about his stance on Social Security.
Maxwell Frost, Democrat (incumbent) - Campaign website
Neither Rep. Maxwell Frost nor his campaign staff responded to our question. His website does not have anything about his stance on Social Security.
US HOUSE DISTRICT 11 (covering parts of Sumter, Lake and Orange counties)
Daniel Webster, Republican (incumbent) - Campaign website
Neither Rep. Dan Webster nor his campaign staff responded to our question. Here is what his website says about Social Security:
“Dan Webster is committed to ensuring America keeps the promise of Social Security so seniors don’t have the rug pulled out from under them. He also pushed legislation to end the double-tax on social security benefits.”
Barbie Harden Hall, Democrat - Campaign website
Question: If elected, would you support effects to close this gap, i.e. ending social security taxes and/or changing the formula that calculates what those monthly benefits are supposed to be each year?
“Yes, I would support legislation to close the gap so that Social Security benefits stay up with cost of living increases. I would support H.R.82-Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 as well as changes to the COLA calculation including using the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers in the formula.”
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