There is good news today for senior citizens! Finally, seniors will receive a long awaited Cost-Of-Living increase in their social security benefits.
According to this article in CNN Money, “Social Security recipients will receive a cost of living adjustment of 3.6% starting in January.” This will be the first “raise” recipients have seen in three years, and most welcome the increase. “Many seniors have felt squeezed since banks are paying virtually no interest on savings accounts and stock market declines has eroded their retirement accounts.”
Unfortunately, many seniors may not see a useful increase in their social security income thanks to a hike in Medicare premiums expected to be announced next month. “For the past two years when Social Security benefits stayed the same, many seniors were shielded from the increase in Medicare premiums because of a “hold harmless” provision that protects more than 70% of beneficiaries… However, high-income beneficiaries and new enrollees did see their benefits reduced because they are not covered under the provision.”
Even with the expected increase to Medicare premiums, most seniors are simply glad to see the Cost-Of-Living increase in their social security. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) will also see an increase, and we expect that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will shortly announce an increase in Veterans Pension Benefits, as well. Stay tuned.
For more complete information about the coming changes in Social Security please read the full article.