58 million Americans receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will not be receiving a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2011 (SS). Beneficiaries did not receive this adjustment in 2010 either.
It is estimated that almost 10 million people living with various disabilities and their dependents are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (Allsup).
According to Allsup, a company that provides disability benefits representation,
“The Social Security Administration’s announcement of no COLA is distressing news for people with disabilities and their families” (Allsup).
Why will there not be a COLA for 2011?
“As determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is no increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2008, the last year a COLA was determined, to the third quarter of 2010” (SS).
RESOURCES:
(Allsup) “No COLA for 2011 Worsens Economic Outlook for People with Disabilities.” Allsup. October 19, 2010. www.allsup.com/about-us/news-room/current-news/no-cola-for-2011-worsens-economic-outlook.aspx
(SS) “Information About 2011 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment.” Social Security Administration. 2010. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola/
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ADDITIONAL READING:
“News Release: Under the Law No Social Security COLA for 2011.” Social Security Administration. October 15, 2010. www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/2011cola-pr.htm
Programs4People – the Invisible Disabilities Association’s page for links to help with groceries, utilities, clothing, prescriptions and more.
Free Social Security Disability Evaluation with Allsup
Applying for Disability Benefits with Chronic Illness – Attorney Scott Davis
Common Mistakes When Social Security is Denied
Six Advantages of Representation for SSDI