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Automatic Increases
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Effect of COLA on Social Security Benefits

Updated October 17, 2007

Automatic Increases

COLA Determination

COLA History

COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits

Calculation of retirement benefits

The automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 2007 is 2.3 percent. The COLA is first payable in January 2008.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for those in current-payment status at the end of December 2007 for selected types of beneficiaries or families.

Estimated effect of 2.3-percent COLA on average benefits
at the end of December 2007
Type of benefit or family Before
2.3% COLA
After
2.3% COLA
Increase
Benefit type All retired workers $1,055 $1,079 $24
All disabled workers 981 1,004 23
Family type Aged couple 1,722 1,761 39
Surviving child(ren) onlya 916 937 21
Widowed mother and 2 children 2,192 2,243 51
Aged widow(er) alone 1,017 1,041 24
Disabled worker, spouse, and one or more children 1,652 1,690 38
a Family with one or more children excludes surviving parent or guardian who is ineligible to receive benefits.

Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through September 2007.

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