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Seniors Targeted On Behalf Of "Notch Fairness Act"

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

November 20, 2006
Fundraising appeals sent to millions of senior citizens urge them to support legislative efforts to secure additional Social Security money for so called "notch babies," people born between 1917 and 1926. Thousands have sent in contributions, large and small.

There's just one problem: A proposal to pay every "notch baby" an additional $5,000 is a dead issue.

Congress studied the issue twelve years ago, concluding the notch babies were treated fairly under the Social Security System and no payments were justified.

At last check there were several groups sending sophisticated mailings to the seniors, who are now between the ages of 80 and 89, asking for money, luring them with the prospect of a $5,000 government check, which the mailing convinces them they deserve.

Some mailings even list the name of the recipient's member of Congress, giving them the impression the lawmaker is actively "working on the problem."

They base their appeal on the contention that, due to an error in the way Social Security Benefits were tied to the Consumer Price Index, people born between 1917 and 1926 were shortchanged.

An aide to one House member called it a scam, but said it's not illegal. These groups, he said, are simply taking advantage of seniors who'd like to receive an extra $5,000.

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