The COLA increase for Social Security recipients in 2021 was announced for 2022 at 5.9%, one of the largest in recent history.
Despite that being considered such a high boost, the rate of inflation has surpassed that and is now over 7%.
This may set the stage for an even bigger COLA boost in 2023.
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The rate of inflation for Feb. 2022 was 7.9% compared to last year.
This is the highest rate in more than 40 years.
If this continues it’s very likely Social Security benefits will increase in 2023.
The COLA increase is based on the third quarter of the year, so the numbers will be based on July, August, and September.
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The 5.9% increase was celebrated when it was announced, but in the bigger picture they’ve only lost purchasing power.
The rate of inflation has already surpassed the COLA increase, essentially negating it.
If the rate continues at the pace it is, there could be an increase as high as 7%.
While a higher COLA sounds good, it probably isn’t.
The cost of living and things like Medicare will rise in price.
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