Port Chester Senior Citizens Hear Of Boost In Social Security Benefits

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Westchester/Rockland, today visited senior citizens in Port Chester to tell them about the average increase of about $50 per month in Social Security benefits they’ll be getting in 2012.

“Senior citizens and all hard-working families know that the cost of living continues to increase for basic necessities like housing, health care, transportation, and more,” said Lowey.  “I am pleased these higher costs will be reflected with a cost of living adjustment (COLA) benefiting nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries nationwide, including more than 115,000 in New York’s 18th Congressional District.”

Lowery met with seniors at the Port Chester Senior Community Center, 222 Grace Church St.

“115,213 Social Security beneficiaries in the 18th Congressional District will receive an average COLA of $47.21,” she told the seniors. “Of those, 84,898 beneficiaries who are retirees will receive an average COLA of $50.50.”

Congresswoman Lowey also alerted senior citizens in Port Chester that Medicare open enrollment opened on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, which is an earlier open season period than in previous years.

“As costs continue to rise for basic necessities, I will continue working to ensure Social Security benefits are protected for current and future generations,” said Lowey.