The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.6 percent increase in Social Security benefits that will take effect in 2012 for about 55 million Social Security beneficiaries. Unfortunately, for many people this cost-of-living adjustment (or COLA) will be used to pay for increases in Medicare premiums. Because of low inflation rates during the past few years, Medicare premiums have not increased for most people since 2009.
The following is the complete text of the Social Security Administration's Press Release:
Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the Social Security Administration announced today.
The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $110,100 from $106,800. Of the estimated 161 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2012, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2012, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011 | Press Office |
For Immediate Release | 410-965-8904 |
press.office@ssa.gov |