National Survey of 1,000 Likely Voters
Conducted October 16-17, 2009

By Rasmussen Reports

1* For the first time since 1975, Social Security recipients will not receive a cost-of-living increase because there was no inflation measured during the past year. To make up for the lack of an increase, President Obama has proposed sending all Social Security recipients $250. Do you favor or oppose sending each Social Security recipient $250?

50% Favor
40% Oppose
10% Not sure

2* The president has also proposed sending the $250 payment to people receiving veterans benefits, disability benefits, railroad retirees and retired public employees who don't receive Social Security. Do you favor or oppose sending $250 to these people also?

42% Favor
46% Oppose
12% Not sure

3* Sending $250 to all Social Security recipients and other retirees will cost the federal government $13 billion. Knowing that it costs $13 billion, do you favor or oppose sending $250 to Social Security recipients?

41% Favor
49% Oppose
10% Not sure

NOTE: Margin of Sampling Error, +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.