Social Security benefits: A proposed $200 Social Security increase is gaining attention as millions of Americans look for ways to cope with rising living costs. The proposal could provide an additional $200 a month to eligible Social Security recipients, but the extra payment is not currently an approved benefit. Heres who could qualify for the proposed social security increase, which Social Security beneficiaries may be covered, whether the payment could be made next month, and what retirees should know about the proposal before expecting an extra $200 in their checks.