Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says 3.6% increase is welcome news for Maine seniors who've struggled to cover the costs of essentials

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree responded to today's official announcement the Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) raise—the first in two years.

"This is great news for Maine seniors. Anyone who buys fuel, food, and medication can see how costs for these essentials have risen steadily, even as the economy has struggled," Pingree said. "Maine seniors know that a Social Security check doesn't go very far, and over the last couple they've seen it cover less and less. I hope this increase offers some relief to the thousands ofMainers who rely on this critical benefit."

COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index. The last COLA increase was in 2009,before the economic downturn hit fully. In 2010 and 2011, the economy hadn't recovered enough to fully offset the drop, meaning that Social Security benefits remained flat.

Pingreesupports tying COLAs to a different CPI that more closely reflect costs forseniors—such as heating fuel and medication.

"I can't overstate how frustrating the last couple of years have been for Maine seniors. They've worked hard for the Social Security benefits they need to pay for the bare essentials—for many, it's all they have," said Pingree. "We need to meet our end of the bargain with a benefit that actually covers those costs. Seniors have earned it."

The amount seniors would see in theirchecks would also be affected by next year's Medicare Part B premiums, which are expected to be released next week.