U.S. Social Security issues 2.5 pct benefits hike, smallest in years


By Xia Lin

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Social Security recipients will see a 2.5 percent increase in their monthly checks next year, the federal government announced on Thursday, a smaller hike than in recent years, which was expected given the cooling of inflation.

The 2.5 percent increase will apply to all Social Security checks for retirees and people with disabilities beginning at the start of 2025.

"Soaring prices in recent years brought unusually large cost-of-living increases in benefit checks, since Social Security payouts are automatically adjusted once a year based on a government measure of inflation," said The Washington Post in its report about the move.

The annual adjustment, known as COLA, brought seniors a 5.9 percent boost in 2022, an 8.7 percent increase in 2023 (the largest in about 40 years) and a 3.2 percent increase in 2024.

In the United States, Social Security is the commonly used term for the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program and is administered by the Social Security Administration.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Myanmar's junta chief set for parliamentary vote on presidential bid
Cuba to free 2,010 prisoners from island jails in 'sovereign gesture'
South Korea, France to upgrade ties as Macron trip overshadowed by Middle East crisis
Trump sacks attorney general, replaces with ex-personal lawyer
UN-backed Haiti mission implicated in four cases of sexual abuse, report shows
Iran says attacks Oracle data center; Dubai authorities deny
Roundup: Humanitarian crisis worsens in Lebanon, Gaza, West Bank as Mideast conflict continues: UN
Zelenskiy offers Ukraine's maritime expertise with Strait of Hormuz
Russia's new car sales rise 4 pct in Q1
From the Frontline: War-weary Iraqis find solace in football

Others Also Read