Effect of COLA on Social Security Benefits

Automatic Increases

COLA Determination

COLA History

COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits

Calculation of retirement benefits

The automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 2008 is 5.8 percent. The COLA is first payable in January 2009.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for those in current-payment status at the end of December 2008 for selected types of beneficiaries or families.

**Estimated effect of 5.8-percent COLA on average benefits**
at the end of December 2008
Type of benefit or family		Before 5.8% COLA	After 5.8% COLA	Increase
Benefit type	All retired workers	$1,090	$1,153	$63
Benefit type	All disabled workers	1,006	1,064	58
Family type	Aged couple	1,773	1,876	103
	Surviving child(ren) only^a	936	991	55
	Widowed mother and 2 children	2,268	2,399	131
	Aged widow(er) alone	1,051	1,112	61
	Disabled worker, spouse, and one or more children	1,695	1,793	98
^a Family with one or more children excludes surviving parent or guardian who is ineligible to receive benefits. Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through September 2008.


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