Anticipating $60 Monthly Boost Social Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024

Anticipating $60 Monthly Boost Social Security Benefits Set to Increase in 2024. The Social Security system is poised for significant changes in 2024, with beneficiaries set to enjoy a noticeable increase in their monthly benefits. This boost is primarily attributed to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which seeks to counter the impact of inflation on Social Security payments. In this article, we will delve into the details of this increase and the factors influencing it.

The Anticipated $60 Monthly Increase

Come 2024, individuals receiving Social Security retirement benefits can expect a substantial increase in their monthly payments. Preliminary estimates suggest that this adjustment will amount to nearly $60 per month. This financial uplift aims to address the rising cost of living and ensure beneficiaries receive more substantial monthly payments throughout the year.

Predicting the COLA Increase

While an official figure for the 2024 COLA is yet to be finalized, experts and organizations such as the Senior Citizens League have made predictions. Their forecasts suggest a 3.2% rise in Social Security benefits for the upcoming year. However, this increase is notably lower than the 8.7% jump experienced in 2023, primarily due to unexpected spikes in consumer price data during August.

Calculating the COLA: Social Security’s Methodology

Social Security employs a precise methodology to calculate the annual COLA. They consider the average inflation rates during the months of September, August, and July. This meticulous approach helps safeguard the purchasing power of beneficiaries, ensuring they receive adequate adjustments to cope with inflation.

Using CPI-W for COLA Calculation

The key metric used for calculating the COLA is the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index facilitates a comparison between the third quarter of the current year and the third quarter of the preceding year. By relying on this comprehensive data, Social Security can accurately determine the appropriate COLA rate.

Impact on Beneficiaries

Approximately 70 million beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the Social Security COLA increase. While the average retirement check currently stands at $1,827, individual payments may vary. If you receive an average check, you can anticipate a monthly increase of slightly less than $60, resulting in an estimated monthly payment of $1,885 starting in January 2024. Keep in mind that these figures are provided for reference and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Awaiting Official Figures

Although these estimates provide insight into the upcoming changes, it is crucial to note that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has not yet released the official COLA figures. Consequently, beneficiaries are advised to exercise patience and await the official announcement. Fortunately, the wait is expected to be brief, with the announcement anticipated in October.

Different Impacts for Supplemental Security Income Recipients

It’s worth mentioning that individuals on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may experience a smaller increase in their payments compared to regular Social Security beneficiaries. Therefore, those on SSI should prepare for a relatively modest adjustment in their benefits.