The
nation's elderly and disabled Social Security recipients will receive a 1.5
percent increase in payments in 2014. The same COLA will apply to
pensions for federal government retirees and most veterans.
According to recent news from the
Social Security AdministCost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) made to
Social Security payments will increase 1.5% in 2014. Although it is a small
increase, you will be able to enjoy some "diet COLA" with your Social
Security next year.
ElderLawAnswers weighed in on the news in an article titled “Social Security Benefits to Rise Only 1.5
Percent in 2014,” while the SSA has issued its own COLA Fact
Sheet.
The COLA is an important
adjustment for many Social Security beneficiaries, especially those on a fixed
income. These can be very important dollars and cents. If costs of living go up
on an annual basis, then Social Security beneficiaries would be left with fewer
dollars to purchase more expensive goods (and services) without the COLA
increase.
On a positive note, this COLA
increase is welcome. Historically, there have been years without any COLA
increase. That noted, at 1.5% the 2014 COLA is still less than the 1.7% COLA in
2013, which some regarded as too low.
The math, as summarized by ElderLawAnswers, works out like this:
Starting in January
2014, the average monthly Social Security retirement payment will rise from
$1,275 to $1,294 a month for individuals and from $2,080 to $2,111 for couples.
The 1.5 percent increase will apply to both elderly and disabled Social
Security recipients, and individuals who receive both disability and retirement
Social Security will see increases in both types of benefits. The maximum
Social Security benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age, which is
age 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954, will be $2,642 a month.
The good news is that it is not
all bad news. While the SSA is seeing a lower COLA, it is
worth noting that Medicare Part B will not
be seeing an increase from the 2013 standard monthly premium of $104.90. In the
end, then, for many beneficiaries 2014 might not be too unreasonable.
Reference: ElderLawAnswers
(October 31, 2013) “Social Security Benefits to Rise Only 1.5
Percent in 2014”