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☆ Social Security isn’t keeping up with inflation. That could weaken Biden’s support among some seniors
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Not long ago, senior citizens got the two biggest annual increases in their monthly Social Security checks that most had ever seen. While inflation has afflicted Americans of every age, senior citizens are often in a more difficult predicament because many live off fixed incomes. Many depend heavily on Social Security – some 42% of elderly women and 37% of elderly men rely on the monthly payments for at least half their income, according to the Social Security Administration. They aren’t wrong: Inflation has eaten away at 36% of Social Security benefits’ buying power since 2000, according to an analysis last year from The Senior Citizens League. The president needs these senior voters since polls also show his support among younger Americans has eroded since 2020.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Biden, Shannon Benton, “, ”, Mary Johnson, Johnson, –, Trump, they’ve, Marty Cohen Organizations: CNN, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Social Security Administration, Biden, James Madison University Locations: Pennsylvania, Arizona , Michigan, Wisconsin

☆ Here's why Social Security cost-of-living adjustments may be smaller in 2025 and beyond
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty ImagesEarly estimates for the 2025 Social Security COLANew government data points to a 2.4% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, The Senior Citizens League estimates, based on new government inflation data released this week. The Social Security Administration typically announces the cost-of-living adjustment for the following year in October. In the meantime, experts say there are steps retirees can take to help compensate for the prospect of lower benefit increases. Annuities, which provide fixed income in retirement in exchange for a lump-sum investment, can be one way to supplement a retiree's income, LaVigne said. Consult with a financial advisorBefore purchasing an annuity or other retirement income strategy, it helps to consult with a professional.

Persons: " Johnson, Johnson, Lisa Featherngill, Featherngill, Kelly LaVigne, You've, LaVigne Organizations: Istock, Getty, Security COLA, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Urban, Clerical Workers, CPI, Comerica Wealth Management, Social, Allianz Life Locations: Winston, Salem , North Carolina

☆ Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 3.2% in 2024, well below this year's record-setting increase
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Jozef Polc / 500Px | 500Px Plus | Getty ImagesSocial Security beneficiaries will see a 3.2% boost to their benefits in 2024, the Social Security Administration announced on Thursday. The annual cost-of-living adjustment for 2024 will affect more than 71 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. Typically, Medicare Part B premium payments are deducted from Social Security checks. How the 2024 COLA comparesThe 2024 benefit increase is much lower than record 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment Social Security beneficiaries saw this year, the biggest boost in four decades in response to record high inflation. Older Americans 'still feeling the sting' of inflationThe 2024 adjustment comes as many retirees are still struggling with higher prices.

Persons: Jozef Polc, Jo Ann Jenkins, Jenkins, Tracey Gronniger, Gronniger Organizations: Social, Social Security Administration, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Consumer, Urban, Clerical Workers, AARP, Justice, COLA, Security

But she isn’t certain that it will be enough, even with her Social Security benefits. Charles Blahous, a former Social Security trustee, said the annual COLA announcement is a reminder about the program's stressed finances. Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at the Senior Citizens League, says her organization supports the Social Security Administration using whichever index is higher to best protect older people from inflation. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes for 2023 is $160,200, up from $147,000 in 2022. There have been legislative proposals to shore up Social Security, but they have not made it past committee hearings.

Persons: Karla Abbott, she’s, Charles Blahous, Mary Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Abbott, Alfred Mason, Mason, Jo Ann Jenkins, ” Johnson, “, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, Social Security, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Senior Citizens League, Social Security Administration, Security, Social, AARP, Senior Citizens Locations: Sioux Falls , South Dakota, Washington, Louisiana

☆ 47% of Americans say achieving retirement security will take a miracle. Why inflation is to blame
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

DusanManic | iStock | Getty ImagesAlmost half of Americans, 47%, say achieving retirement security will take a miracle, according to a new survey from Natixis Investment Managers. The results come as research from the firm shows the U.S. has improved its overall score for retirement security compared to last year, with 71% versus 69% in 2022. The five top countries for retirement security include Norway at No.1, followed by Switzerland, Iceland, Ireland and Luxembourg. Most survey respondents, 84%, say recent economic activity shows inflation is a big threat to their retirement security. Moreover, 58% of retirement savers and retirees say their biggest worry is outliving their money, Cerulli Associates recently found.

Persons: Dave Goodsell, Goodsell, it's, Cerulli, Mary Johnson, Johnson Organizations: iStock, Natixis Investment, Natixis Center, Investor Insight, Northwestern Mutual, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Getty Locations: U.S, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg

☆ Claiming Social Security retirement benefits is a high-stakes decision. Don't let these 5 myths get in your way
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Moyo Studio | E+ | Getty ImagesSocial Security benefits provide retirement income for millions of Americans. Myth 1: Claiming early is bestNegative headlines may scare people into claiming as early as possible to get the most benefits. Eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits starts at age 62. Myth 4: Social Security benefits are not taxedThanasis | Moment | Getty ImagesThe misperception that Social Security benefits aren't taxed is "perhaps the biggest myth of all," said Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League. That includes the sum of your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest and half of your Social Security benefits.

Persons: that's, Joe Elsasser, Elsasser, Laurence Kotlikoff, Bruce Tannahill, there's, Kotlikoff, Tannahill, Mary Johnson, Anna Frank Organizations: Social Security, Social, Security, Boston University, Senior Citizens League . Social Security

☆ Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2024 may be 3%, estimate finds. How hurricane season may change that
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

"The COLA estimate might go down if gas and oil prices drop." Hurricanes, in particular, may prompt higher oil and gas prices, she said. "Certainly, hurricane season bears close monitoring, and we are entering the heart of it now," said AAA spokesman Andrew Gross. "A major storm impacting the Gulf Coast and nearby refineries will likely lead to a spike in gas prices for a few weeks," he said. However, the pressure may be off pump prices at the moment, he said, due to a combination of lower oil prices and flat demand.

Persons: Mary Johnson, Johnson, Andrew Gross Organizations: Istock, CPI, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Hurricanes, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, AAA, Seniors Locations: Coast

☆ Social Security’s Next Cost-of-Living Raise Is Forecast Around 3%
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Mark Miller | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

More than 74 million Americans can expect a healthy inflation adjustment to their Social Security benefits next year — just not as large as this year’s historic 8.7 percent raise. The recent slowdown in inflation points to a 2024 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, of around 3 percent, according to a forecast by the Senior Citizens League. “A 3 percent COLA would be nothing to sneeze at.” Other estimates point to a possible raise of just over 3 percent. The COLA is a crucial feature of Social Security that helps seniors and other beneficiaries keep up with inflation. The Social Security Administration will announce the COLA in October, after September inflation data is released.

Persons: —, Mary Johnson, ” Organizations: Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Medicare

☆ Medicare Part B premiums may increase in 2024, prompted by a new Alzheimer's treatment
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

If Part B premiums go up next year prompted by the new Alzheimer's drug, it will not be the first time. However, Part B premiums dropped by 3% for 2023 in response to Medicare's decision to limit Aduhelm coverage. How Part B premiums affect Social Security checksThe Senior Citizens League is currently predicting a 3% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2024, based on the latest government inflation data. Medicare Part B premium payments are typically deducted directly from monthly Social Security checks. Medicare patients may pay more than $5,000 annually for the treatment, according to KFF.

Persons: Juliette Cubanski, Mary Johnson, Johnson, KFF, Cubanski, Jasmin Merdan Organizations: Senior Citizens League, Social Security, Medicare, Security

☆ As inflation cools, Social Security beneficiaries may see a much lower cost-of-living adjustment in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As the rate of inflation continues to fall, Social Security beneficiaries may expect to see a much lower cost-of-living adjustment for 2024. The Social Security COLA may be 3%, according to a new estimate from The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior group, based on new consumer price index data for June released on Wednesday. A lower 2.6% rise would happen if there is no net inflation for the rest of the year, according to the forecast. The projected increases to benefits for next year would fall short of the 8.7% rise beneficiaries saw in 2023 — the highest boost in four decades. In 2022, beneficiaries saw a 5.9% increase, which was also a record increase at the time.

Persons: Mary Johnson Organizations: Social, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Finance, Federal Budget

☆ Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may be 2.7% in 2024, new estimate finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

New government data shows the annual rate of inflation dipped to the lowest level in about two years as of May. But that may be bittersweet news for Social Security beneficiaries, as they may receive a much lower cost-of-living adjustment in 2024 than they did this year. The Social Security COLA could be 2.7% in 2024 based on the latest consumer price index data, according to The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior group. The CPI rose 4% from a year ago as of May, the U.S. Department of Labor said Tuesday, and 0.1% for the month. The subset of the index used to determine next year's cost-of-living adjustment, the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, or CPI-W, was up 3.6% year over year — the lowest level since March 2021, The Senior Citizens League noted.

Organizations: Social, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Finance, GOP, U.S . Department of Labor

☆ This chart shows the fastest-rising costs for Social Security beneficiaries
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Lordhenrivoton | E+ | Getty ImagesHigh inflation 'extremely difficult' for retireesSocial Security COLAs have increased by 78% since 2000, according to The Senior Citizens League. At the same time, the cost of goods and services retirees typically buy has gone up by 141.4% over that time. Yet the current 36% loss in buying power is still one of the deepest losses recorded, according to the group. Eggs topped the list of fastest-growing costs for seniors since 2000. While higher spending may complicate the fight against higher inflation, it is delayed relief for older Americans, whose COLA was lower than price growth in 2022.

☆ As inflation starts to subside, a lower Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2024 may be on the horizon
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

New government inflation data shows inflation is cooling — and that could point to a lower cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for Social Security beneficiaries next year. Yet another measure used to calculate the Social Security COLA each year — the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W — rose 4.5% over the last 12 months and 0.3% for the month prior to seasonal adjustment. To be sure, that is a very early estimate, according to Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare analyst at The Senior Citizens League. Gauging how much the increase for 2024 will be, if there is one, will be clearer toward the second half of the year, she said. In 2023, Social Security beneficiaries saw an 8.7% bump to their Social Security benefits, a four-decade record prompted by high inflation.

☆ You may face a 'stealth tax' on Social Security benefits, expert warns. These steps can help
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The reason: More of their Social Security benefits may be taxed following a higher 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment in 2022. Unlike other tax thresholds, the Social Security income levels have not been adjusted for inflation since taxation of benefits began in 1984. Not moving the brackets or indexing them gradually exposes more and more people to income taxes on their Social Security benefits, according to David Freitag, a financial planning consultant and Social Security expert at MassMutual. The result is a "stealth tax," Freitag said. How Social Security benefits are taxedUp to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxed, based on current tax rules.

☆ After an 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2023, next year's increase may not be as large
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Pascal Broze | Onoky | Getty ImagesAn 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2023 means beneficiaries received on average $140 per month more starting in January. The Social Security COLA for 2023 was the highest bump in monthly checks beneficiaries have received in four decades. About 70 million beneficiaries receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments. watch nowWhile the Social Security COLA for this year may help ease beneficiaries' budgets, next year's increase may not be as large. Social Security COLA for 2024 may be far lessBased on current projections, the Social Security COLA for 2024 will likely be much lower than this year's 8.7% due to cooling inflation, according to the league.

☆ Higher Social Security cost-of-living adjustments may affect your taxes. Here's how to plan
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Social Security recipients are just starting to see the record 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment in their monthly checks. Last year's 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment was like getting a 6% wage bump in 2022, according to Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League. A recent survey by The Senior Citizens League found 57% of older taxpayers worry more of their Social Security benefits will be taxed due to last year's 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment. More from Personal Finance:What the U.S. debt ceiling could mean for Social Security and MedicareApproaching 62? However, beneficiaries would be wise to get a jump on their tax planning for next year to mitigate the effects of the 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment.

☆ Social Security cost-of-living adjustments have fallen short of inflation by $1,054 since the start of pandemic
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

That's as this year's 8.7% COLA kicks in for more than 65 million Social Security beneficiaries this month. That new data indicates Social Security beneficiaries will recover $38.70 after months of grappling with record high inflation, according to a new report from The Senior Citizens League. Average Social Security benefits fell short of inflation by about $1,054 from the start of the pandemic through 2022, according to a new analysis from the non-partisan senior group. That excludes Medicare Part B premiums, which are typically deducted directly from Social Security benefit checks. The predicament has made it more important for retirees to carefully plan for all income streams, not just Social Security.

☆ 'Damaging cuts' to Medicare and Social Security are looking more likely with McCarthy as House speaker. Here's what it will mean for retirees.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( Jason Lalljee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Those concessions likely include budget cuts that will threaten Medicare and Social Security. Even if that agenda doesn't pass, negotiations could threaten Social Security payments, advocates say. According to a screenshot of the presentation viewed by CNN, the spending priorities were vague but mentioned reforms to "mandatory spending programs" that could include Social Security and Medicare. But it looks like some House Republicans are already strong-arming the policy direction of their renewed majority. Johnson also noted that any sort of stalemate over budget negotiations could endanger the timely payment of Social Security benefits, which would hurt seniors.

☆ Average Social Security retirement benefit fell short by 46% in 2022. Here are the costs that went up the most
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sollina Images | Tetra Images | Getty ImagesAmid record high inflation, stretching Social Security benefit checks became more difficult in 2022. Even as a 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment went into effect in January, the record high annual benefit increase still fell short, according to new research from The Senior Citizens League. The average retiree benefit fell short by an average of $42.35 per month, or 46%, the research found. The 5.9% annual increase for 2022 was the highest bump to benefits in 40 years when it was announced in October 2021. "Even the simplest of foods are harder for people to afford," said Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League.

☆ Popular Medicare Advantage plans have 'clear cases of overpayments and improper billing of US taxpayers,' advocates and analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Jason Lalljee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The original Medicare program is offered directly through the federal government. "There hasn't been enough of an indictment of Medicare Advantage plans," Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at the Senior Citizens League, told Insider. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the share of all Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will grow to 61% by 2032. The politics of Medicare AdvantagePoliticians, primarily Republicans, have done their part to promote Medicare Advantage over the original Medicare plans since President George W. Bush overhauled the program in 2003. Johnson said Medicare Advantage was so popular among conservatives because it shifted financial responsibility from the government to patients.

The number of working Americans aged 80 or over — such President Joe Biden — has risen from 1980. As seen in the above chart, 5.16% of Americans aged 80 and over had a job in 2022 as of October. Although the share of Americans age 80 and over with a job has tumbled some from it's high in 2018 per Insider's analysis, there are still plenty of older workers working past typical retirement age. And that's evidenced by poverty rates among older Americans standing higher than a decade ago as of 2021. However, not all older Americans want to keep working as they get older and will exit the labor force.

☆ Forget the culture wars: Democrats and Republicans are focusing their midterm-election closing arguments on Medicare and Social Security
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Jason Lalljee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Democrats are challenging that by framing themselves as defenders of Medicare and Social Security. Since relief on sky-high inflation or the housing crisis isn't imminent, Democrats have turned to Republican plans to privatize and make cuts to Social Security and Medicare. In a speech at the Democratic National Committee last week, Biden used the phrase "Social Security and Medicare" 11 times while countering Republicans' rhetoric around reforming both programs. Republicans' proposed budget points to cuts, but they're denying that's the planRepublicans have said Democrats are misrepresenting their comments on Social Security and Medicare. Arrington has repeatedly introduced legislation that would prevent people from receiving both Social Security disability benefits and Social Security unemployment benefits at the same time — called "double dipping" by critics.

☆ Social Security recipients get 8.7% cost-of-living increase, the highest in more than 40 years
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

New York CNN Business —Social Security recipients will receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment of 8.7% next year, the largest increase since 1981, the Social Security Administration announced Thursday. The spike will boost retirees’ monthly payments by $146 to an estimated average of $1,827 for 2023. The hefty increase, which follows a 5.9% adjustment for this year, is aimed at helping Social Security’s roughly 70 million recipients contend with the high inflation that’s been plaguing the US since last year. It’s too early to say,” said Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League, an advocacy group. “It depends on what inflation is going to do from October onwards.”This story is breaking and will be updated.

☆ U.S. retirees see biggest Social Security hike in more than 40 years
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Retirees and other beneficiaries will get an 8.7% cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment starting in January, the U.S. Social Security Administration, which administers the benefit program, said in a statement. The average recipient will see $140 more per month in their 2023 benefit checks, it added, benefiting about 70 million people receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) aid. The programs benefit older Americans who have retired from their jobs as well as the disabled and certain widows, widowers and children. The consumer price data, used to set the Social Security adjustments, showed rising rent, food and health care costs pressuring consumers. Mary Johnson, an analyst at the seniors advocacy group Senior Citizens League, said adequate cost-of-living increases were necessary "as older Americans live longer lives."

The annual adjustment is forecast to be the largest one-time increase since 1981, and the largest experienced by beneficiaries alive today. The nonprofit Senior Citizens League predicts an adjustment coming in at 8.7%, implying that Social Security recipients could see an increase of about $144 starting Jan. 1, 2023. The Federal Reserve has acknowledged the pain inflation inflicts upon on individuals who receive Social Security benefits. Thanks to an unusual quirk, Social Security beneficiaries can expect to realize the full COLA increase. "The lifeboat is leaking and taking on water, leaving older Americans at risk of financial drowning," Johnson wrote.

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