A key expense for tens of millions of retired-worker beneficiaries offers no relief in the new year.In November, over 70 million people received a Social Security benefit, more than 53 million of whom are retired workers. For most of these retirees, Social Security income isn't a luxury -- it's a necessity.In 2023, Social Security lifted 22 million Americans above the federal poverty line (including 16.3 million adults aged 65 and over), which is more than any other social program. It's also responsible for ...