Effect of COLA on Average Social Security Benefits

Automatic Determinations

Cost-of-Living Adjustment

COLA History

COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits

Calculation of retirement benefits

Social Security benefit data by…
benefit type or
family type

The latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to increase Social Security benefits is 3.6 percent. The COLA is first payable in January 2012.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for those in current-payment status at the end of December 2011 for selected types of beneficiaries or families.

**Estimated effect of 3.6-percent COLA on average benefits**
at the end of December 2011
Type of benefit or family		Before 3.6% COLA	After 3.6% COLA	Change
Benefit type	All retired workers	$1,186	$1,229	$43
Benefit type	All disabled workers	1,072	1,111	39
Family type	Disabled worker, spouse, and children	1,824	1,890	66
	Retired worker and aged spouse	1,925	1,994	69
	Surviving child(ren) only^a	986	1,022	36
	Aged widow(er) alone	1,143	1,184	41
	Widowed mother and 2 children	2,452	2,540	88
^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 2011.


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