_. WASHINGTONg Notch Reform Bill introduced in Senate (NAPSA)—A group of retirees who receive lower Social Security Benefits than other retirees with similar work and earnings records may get a $5,000 Lump Sum or improved monthly Social Security benefits under legislation recently introduced by Senator Harry Reid (D-NY). Reid is batthng for the compensation of retirees touched by the Social Security “Notch” which affects approximately nine million seniors who were born from 1917 through 1926. The plight of many Notch babies is growing grim says Virginia Torch, Director of Legislative Affairs for TREA Senior Citizens League (TSC), an organization that Icbbies for Noteh reform. “Noteh babies who have little other financial income than Social Security may be hovering near the poverty line---about $8,600 for an individual in 2001. A Notch baby who retired with an average benefit in 1984 will only receive abut $9,300 this year,” says Torch. Costs for Notch babies are climbing fast. Ages 75 through 84, they are likely te fill more than 28 prescriptions annually and spend an average of $3,142 on health care costs. For more information, send $1.00 for shipping and handling to: TREA Senior Citizens League, Dept. N1G66L, 8969 N. Washington, St. Suite 360, Alexandria, VA 32314, or visit the Web site at www.tseLorg.
