For Social Security Recipients, No COLA for 2010
For the first time since automatic cost of living adjustment began in 1975, recipients of social security will not receive a “cost of living adjustment”, or “COLA” in 2010. Though the move sets a precedent, it’s not entirely surprising given the fact that prices of consumer goods are actually falling.
The cost of living adjustments that accompany social security payments are tied directly to inflation, measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI). Last January, those receiving social security payments saw a 5.8% increase in their payments, largely the result of increases in energy prices. Now, inflation – or the lack thereof – has cut the other way for those on fixed incomes.
Consumer prices have fallen 2.1% from third quarter of 2008 and, despite being referred to as “cost of living adjustments,” the payments to those receiving social security payments will not actually be adjusted for the fall in prices. Rather, they will remain the same. Despite that, President Obama has called for a $250 payment to be made to seniors, veterans, retired railroad workers and people with disabilities, a move to assist those most in need in the eyes of the administration.
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