Social Security is a system that affects most working Americans. However, many do not realize that Social Security is not just for retirees. But in this case we will focus on what happens to retirees.

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Many people don’t realize that every month thousands of Social Security retirees fall into poverty because of the loss of a loved one. This is because of a policy that was implemented in the 1930’s when Social Security was first started. Back then males were head of households and the single bread-winner for the family. Fast forward to today and we find that many families depend on the paychecks of two working family members.

 

Let’s look at this example. Two couples both start their working careers at the same time, in the same profession, earn the same benefits over their work history, and retire at the same time. If one couple loses a spouse, the surviving spouse will lose that Social Security check even though the household expenses may remain almost the same. The second check will not be there to contribute to paying expenses. The couple that both survive will continue to receive both checks as long as they both live.

 

The old rule of thumb is that by retirement we have the house paid off, cars paid off, and a few dollars in the bank. But we don’t find that this is true today. Because of the enormous expense to survive in today’s world, it is frequently difficult to survive on one check. This could easily create 

unexpected financial distress for the surviving spouse.

 

We have a chance to change this potentially devastating policy.  We need to express to Congress our vision for a change so that the surviving spouse can continue to receive both checks and thus maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

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Now, we strongly encourage that you do not depend on Social Security as your only income when you retire.  You will need an alternate source of income and there are many good financial options out there to help you save.  But for many elderly Americans, Social Security is their only or main source of income.  If something happens to one of the spouses, a large portion of the financial support of the surviving spouse is taken away.  

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Now, we want you to understand that Social Security is not a government funded account. Social Security is what you and many others have paid into this account.  This is a return on savings when you get older.  

 

If you and your spouse continue to live, you two will draw both checks.  But if one of you passes away, then the surviving spouse receives the larger of the two checks.  The loss of the second check seems like a penalty to the surviving spouse.  This is money that your spouse worked hard to set aside hoping that you would be secure in your future, yet Social Security takes it away.  Congress has committees that re-evaluate Social Security each year, but all we hear is how they seek to make changes by cutting rather than focusing on improving the system.

 

The Social Security System began in 1935 when most households were headed by males.  Many of these households had just one income. But today many married couples depend on two incomes and the loss of one could be devastating.  Not only would a death affect the income of the surviving spouse, but the federal income taxes of the surviving spouse may increase because he/she must file as a single person after the first year rather than a joint return.  It can also affect other financial aspects.  

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Many have said that the Social Security System will go broke in less than two decades, but there were those who said that the Social Security System would never work at all, but it is still here.  The millions who receive Social Security benefits today prove them wrong.  Social Security is a financial system just like any other financial system; it must be adjusted from time to time to meet the needs of the people.  In 2020 the average monthly income from Social Security was $1,543.  Most Americans have nothing saved for retirement.  For those who have personal retirement accounts the average amount saved at the time of retirement is approximately $63,000.  This amount can only be stretched so far.  It is easy to see that Social Security is an important, and sometimes the only part, of the retirement plans for many Americans. 

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At one time a couple was considered to be in good financial shape if their car, house and debts were all paid off and a nice nest egg was set aside.  A stable income made matters even better.   But today times have changed.  Maintaining an old vehicle or buying a new one is expensive.  Also expensive is maintaining a home, with the inevitable replacement of the roof or air conditioner.  These situations could dip deeply into savings.  

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If there is someone in Congress who does not think that the concept of two checks for surviving spouses will work, we must do like the manager of a baseball team would do.  If he knows that the other team has someone who can throw a 100 mile-an-hour baseball, he must get someone who can hit a 100 mile-an-hour baseball.  So, if there is someone who cannot support the two-check system, we will have to elect someone else who can.

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Now, the concept of receiving two checks is not unusual.  There are other types of retirement accounts that enable the surviving spouse to receive some portion of their deceased spouse’s check.

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If you are not married and feel that this endeavor will not benefit you personally, we are sure that you have loved ones, even your children and grandchildren, who could benefit in the future by changes we make today.

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 Therefore, we are asking that you join us by contacting your 

U.S. Representative or Senator to support “2 Checks for 

Surviving Spouses”.  

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Can we count on you?

 

If you would like to help us to encourage Congress to

consider this new initiative, please contact us at:

 2checksforss@gmail.com

 

A donation is not necessary, but we could use some help with the office and website expenses.

If you wish to support this endeavor, there are three options available to do so.