It was the philosopher Socrates who told us, “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” While Socrates was never around to collect retirement, his point holds true for today’s Social Security recipients.

The actions our world is compromised of all start as language, coming from our mouths and minds to discussion forums, comment sections, petitions, and other places to help drive change.

If we’re not clear in our language, it’s safe to say our intentions may not be realized and our mission may fall short. It’s why we here at NORA are determined to emphasize the importance of using the proper terminology when it comes to Social Security.

Retirees Sometimes Use the Wrong Language

Even if you’re highly knowledgeable when it comes to Social Security and how it works from a technical standpoint, it’s easy to say things in a way that sells your mission and your point short. For example:

“Other types of welfare checks are going out — what about Social Security?“

Or sometimes, it’s not about what you say — it’s about looking over the errors others make when discussing this topic, such as:

“Social Security will just have to wait, there’s simply too much debt and too much going on to worry about handouts.”

See the problem with these two statements? Social Security isn’t a handout or a welfare program. It’s something seniors absolutely have a right to, and their claim to it isn’t based on the good graces of policymakers and the current administration’s financial capabilities — they’re entitled to it because they’ve paid in.

The money already belongs to them, and they deserve all of it.

Social Security Recipients Should be Focused on Yearly COLAs

Social Security is something that people have paid into faithfully. They deserved the 5.9 percent Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) from 2022 as well as the rumored one for 2023.

But remember, a COLA isn’t a “raise” in the traditional sense. This adjustment is more about making sure what seniors have already paid in over the years and decades isn’t lost to inflation. Can we count on you to make sure justice is done for Social Security recipients?

We’re the voice retirees and Social Security beneficiaries can count on to get them fair yearly COLAs, but we need your help to make it happen. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get in on this important conversation.