# Social Security Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 7, 2011, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551 "2011-04-07T18:10:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/1 "2011-04-07T18:10:26Z")
Can I expect a cost of living raise (COLA) in my Social Security next year? We haven’t had one for the past two years, and with the present sad state of the economy… well, anyone? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/2 "2011-04-07T18:19:13Z")
Someone mentioned in another thread that the Cost of Living Index does not include food or gasoline. Hence no COLA raises. Don’t know about next year. My wife and I are in the same boat-SSDI. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/3 "2011-04-07T18:29:46Z")
The COLA is announced in October of each year. But the current projections would seem to indicate a small COLA, maybe around 1% or so – all subject to change, of course. > **[Medicare wipes out Social Security COLA - UPI.com](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/02/27/Medicare-wipes-out-Social-Security-COLA/UPI-37951298841174/)** > > The expected Social Security cost of living increase for seniors will be wiped out by increasing Medicare payments, a U.S. senior citizens advocacy group says. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/4 "2011-04-07T18:43:38Z")
_“Although there is no wage base increase again for 2011, based on projections by the Social Security Administration, we will likely see a benefit increase in 2012,” Sacks said. “That increase will trigger operation of the wage base formula for 2012. That formula will take into account the cumulative net increase in national average wages during the previous two-year period during which wage base increases were barred due to the lack of a benefit increase.”_ > **[No Change in Social Security COLA - Good and Bad News](https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/cola-ss.php)** > > The fact that there will be no change to the 2010 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is either good or bad news. ---
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/5 "2011-04-07T19:24:21Z")
Thanks, all! Question answered. You guys are GREAT! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![thelabdude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dc4da7/32.png) [@thelabdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelabdude)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/6 "2011-04-07T19:54:36Z")
I heard Obama opposes it. Perhaps announcing that next October will be the final nail in his reelection bid. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/577551/7 "2011-04-07T22:01:07Z")
\*\*[Medicare increase could mean no Social Security COLA](http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/mar/27/medicare-increase-could-mean-no-social-security-co/) > [@](#): > > The government is projecting a slight cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. But for most beneficiaries, rising Medicare premiums threaten to wipe out any increase in payments, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year. \*\*