Have You Received Your Stimulus Check?
Statement
Dear Friend,
The Social Security Administration has announced that Social Security payments will increase by 5.8 percent beginning in January 2009. The Social Security Administration makes a cost of living adjustment to Social Security benefits each year based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index and this year's adjustment is the largest annual increase since 1982.
The Social Security Administration estimates that the average retired Social Security beneficiary will receive $1,153 per month in 2009, up from $1,090 in 2008.
Disabled workers receiving the average amount of $1,006 in monthly Social Security Disability benefits in 2008 will see their payments increase by $58 in 2009. The Supplemental Security Income Federal Payment Standard has increased from $637 per month to $674 per month for individuals and from $956 per month to $1,011 per month for couples.
Help with Heating Costs on the Way
This week, the Bush Administration released the full $5.1 billion in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds, which Congress included in the Continuing Budget Resolution it passed in September. The funding includes $4.5 billion for the state block grants and $590 million in emergency contingency funds. New Jersey will receive a total of $185,773,240 for this fiscal year - funding that will help seniors and low-income working families keep the heat on this winter.
With home heating expenditures having, on average, doubled since 2001, this is a critical investment for families struggling to make ends meet and who again face high energy costs.
Cutting Through Red Tape
One of things I am most proud of as a U.S. Representative is helping constituents - 17,000 since January 1999 - resolve a problem with the bureaucracy, whether it be assisting a veteran or dealing with immigration issues, health care problems, or the IRS. Last week, for example, I was contacted by a Mercer County resident who after traveling overseas, realized that his passport had expired and he would be unable to travel home. I was able to arrange for the constituent to meet with officials at the foreign embassy, who issued emergency travel papers so that he could return home.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need help with a federal agency. You can learn more at www.holt.house.gov and click on "I Need Assistance."
Sincerely,
RUSH HOLT
Member of Congress
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