New trash fee alone exceeds increase in 2026 Social Security payments

Because of a $20 increase in Medicare Part B payments, Social Security recipients will receive just $36 more a month on average in 2026. That’s $432 a year. San Diego’s new standard trash fee is $523.20 a year.

So struggling fixed-income seniors will fall further behind — on the trash fee alone. Factor in increases for water and utilities, as well as actual inflation, and you’ve got a heartbreaking crisis.

Sadly, the percentage of older adults in poverty rose to 15% in the latest U.S. Census Bureau report. That’s the highest poverty rate among all age groups in America. Our seniors deserve better in San Diego and across America.

— Tom Coat, Pacific Beach