Many Social Security are protesting the federal government decision not to pay the traditional cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2016, after the Social Security Administration (SSA) claimed an increase was not warranted.
Every January, benefits are adjusted for inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the index was actually half a percent lower than they were in 2014.
But many seniors say they are still facing escalating expenses specific to their age group.
“Seniors need special medicine, medical equipment, food, and other goods that most of the younger consumers do not purchase,” said Tammy Lindo, an advocate for The Affairs of Florida Seniors based in Century Village, Pembroke Pines. “Most seniors have a peculiar consumer price index. Plus for many of us this is our only source of income. If we even received a $30 per month COLA next year this would make a difference.”
Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy of Palm Beach County is pushing to adjust this, working with other congressional representatives on a US House measure to provide seniors with a COLA of $581 next year, or $48.42 per month.
“This might not seem like much, but $581 could cover the cost of groceries for three months or the out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs,” says Murphy. “For seniors who already straddle the poverty line and who rely on Social Security for a majority of their income, this failure to keep benefits on pace with the cost of living will be devastating.”
If COLA is not approved, over one million Floridian retirees, disabled workers, and veterans will be affected.
Meanwhile, Miramar senior Gertie Blanch says she is praying, “officials change their minds about the increase.”
The first thing to be affected, says Blanch, is what she can eat.
“I am forced to buy less food as the month prolongs until the next Social Security deposit is made,” Blanch said.
“It is unconscionable to ask seniors to compromise their daily diet because of statistical data,” Lindo said.
