Prejemniki socialnega zavarovanja bodo dobili 3,6% povečanje življenjskih stroškov, v povprečju 75 $ na mesec

Social Security recipients in the United States will see a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in 2027, translating to an average increase of $75 per month for the 73 million individuals receiving monthly benefits and nearly 7.5 million beneficiaries who get Supplemental Security Income. The adjustment was announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is intended to provide greater financial stability for retirees and people with disabilities. The 3.6% increase marks a slight improvement compared to the previous year’s 2.8% COLA. However, several recipients expressed concerns that the raise does not sufficiently counterbalance the effects of rising inflation. The increase follows a period of elevated inflation, with gas prices spiking due to renewed tensions between the United States and Iran. The government reported that inflation accelerated in August, further straining household budgets. The COLA is funded through payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers, with the taxable wage base set to increase to $192,300 in 2027 from $184,500 in 2026. SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano stated in a press release that the adjustment aims to provide greater financial stability for beneficiaries. Despite the increase, some older adults argue that the adjustment falls short of addressing the rising costs of essential services such as healthcare. Lorrie Ufkin, a 71-year-old retiree from Rochester, Minnesota, noted that her healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly following the expiration of a temporary Medicare Part D subsidy program. One medication she and her husband rely on is projected to increase from $11 per month to $200 per month, which she described as catastrophic. Jaime Jakubczak, a 68-year-old retiree from Buffalo, New York, echoed similar sentiments, calling the 3.6% COLA a pittance in light of the sharp increases in food, healthcare, and gasoline prices. He added that the COLA does not fully offset the impact of high inflation and a proposed 3.9% property tax increase in his community. According to an AARP poll conducted in September, most older adults believe the COLA is inadequate to keep pace with inflation. About three-quarters of those aged 50 or older disagreed with the notion that a 3.5% COLA in 2027 would be sufficient to match rising prices. The SSA faces a looming funding challenge, with its trust funds projected to be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2034. Without legislative action, the program is expected to cover approximately 83% of scheduled benefits after that point. While lawmakers have discussed potential solutions, no permanent resolution has yet been enacted. The announcement of the COLA comes amid ongoing debates in Congress regarding the future of the Social Security program. Lawmakers remain divided on how best to address the impending shortfall, with proposals ranging from raising the retirement age to implementing means-testing for benefits.