Sen. Whitehouse Welcomes President’s Support of $250 Payment to Seniors

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Whitehouse-Supported Legislation Would Provide This Payment

October 14, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - President Obama today announced his support for a plan to provide seniors in Rhode Island and across the country with a one-time payment of $250 in 2010 in addition to regular Social Security payments. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is a cosponsor of the Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act (S. 1685), which would provide such a payment.

"Fixed incomes and a reliance on costly prescription drugs make it tough for seniors and disabled Rhode Islanders to make ends meet," said Whitehouse. "For these hard-hit Americans, every dollar counts, and I'm hopeful these payments will provide relief to our most vulnerable citizens."

In 2009, Whitehouse worked to secure a similar one-time payment for seniors and disabled individuals receiving Social Security or SSI as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Those payments were distributed in May. The Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act would provide Social Security recipients an additional $250 in 2010.

In Rhode Island, more than 139,000 seniors received Social Security benefits in 2008. Social Security benefits in 2008 averaged just $13,724 per recipient per year.

Source: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse