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Social Security recipients typically receive an increase in their benefits in January to compensate for the rising cost of living. The exact amount is based on the level of inflation observed in The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index (CPI) from July through September of the previous year.
The cost-of-living increase can vary wildly each year. In 2020, the final adjustment based on pre-pandemic inflation, the COLA was 1.3%. In 2022, the increase was 8.7%.
Over 67 million Americans receive Social Security, and an increase is not guaranteed. Since the COLA was added to Social Security benefits in 1975, there have been three years without a bump in the monthly checks.
Like many Americans, the cost of food appears to be one area of inflation that is hitting older adults the hardest.
In The Senior Citizen League’s survey, 61% of respondents said food was their most increased expense.
According to the USDA, their recommended food budget has increased by 27% since 2020. This is one of the biggest reasons Americans still don’t feel good about the economy.