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Estimates Under the 2008 Trustees Report

Trustees Reports

Cost-of-living adjustments

Average Wage Index

The table below shows estimated future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and estimated future percentage increases in the national average wage index (AWI). These estimates are derived from the "intermediate" assumptions in the 2008 Trustees Report.

The AWI is used to index an individual's earnings through age 60 in the benefit calculation formula, and the COLA is used to increase benefits annually. The COLA shown for a year is effective for December of that year, but is payable in January of the following year.

The COLA for December 2008, as shown below, was determined in October 2008. All other figures shown are estimates.

COLAs & AWI increases under
the intermediate assumptions
of the 2008 Trustees Report
Calendar year COLA
(percent)
Increase in
AWI (percent)
2008 5.8 4.1
2009 2.5 4.1
2010 2.8 4.0
2011 2.8 3.9
2012 2.8 3.9
2013 2.8 4.0
2014 2.8 3.9
2015 2.8 3.8
2016 2.8 3.8
2017 2.8 3.8
2018 and later 2.8 3.9 a
a Average increase.
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Last reviewed or modified Friday Oct 17, 2008
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