In a move that promises to bring a sigh of relief to millions, the Social Security retirement benefits are slated to witness a near $60 per month augmentation in 2024. This enhancement, attributed to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), aims to ensure beneficiaries sustain their purchasing power amidst fluctuating economic tides.
While the official 2024 COLA figure remains under wraps, preliminary estimates, including a projection from the Senior Citizens League, anticipate a 3.2% surge in Social Security benefits. This marks a notable dip from the 8.7% elevation in 2023, which was propelled by an August surge in consumer prices. The COLA, determined by scrutinizing average inflation rates across July, August, and September, seeks to shield beneficiaries from potential dips in purchasing power, with the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Employees (CPI-A) playing a pivotal role in the calculations.
Approximately 70 million beneficiaries are set to reap the rewards of the impending adjustment. With the current average retirement check hovering at $1,827, early computations suggest a potential elevation, propelling the monthly amount to an approximate $1,885 by January 2024. While this indicates a promising addition of around $60, it’s imperative to note that some beneficiaries might witness a slightly lesser uptick than the projected figure.
These preliminary figures, while providing a snapshot into potential future scenarios, remain speculative in nature. Both industry connoisseurs and retirees are on the edge of their seats, awaiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ official announcement, scheduled for an October release.
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income program are advised to moderate their expectations. The forthcoming increase for this demographic is expected to be relatively modest, and as always, patience is recommended until concrete numbers are unveiled.
