Social Security benefits increase in 2012

October 19, 2011

Good news for Social Security recipients. You'll finally get a cost of living increase next year.

Social security cardsThe Social Security Administration says senior citizens receiving the government payments will see a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will take effect with the first benefits check of 2012.

My mother is so happy.

For two years, her monthly benefit check has been flat and hints of rebate checks never came to fruition while her expenses have increased.

But in a couple of months, she and approximately 55 million other older Americans will be getting around $39 more a month from Uncle Sam.

This is very good news for mom.

Her enthusiasm, however, might not last.

Senior citizens also will likely see a higher premium in 2012 for Medicare Part B. That's the portion that covers doctor visits and outpatient services and is deducted from Social Security payments.

Now we wait to see how these increases in both payments to and by recipients of these government programs will affect deficit reduction decisions, due by Nov. 23, of the Congressional super committee.

You also might find these items of interest:

Share:

The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

Latest Posts
6 tax moves to consider this June

June 3, 2026

Definitely take a break this June. But taxes don’t take vacations. So, you also should…

Read More
Tax Season 2026 Continues!

We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Comments
  • How do you think that this reform will change the tax on social security? I just wanted to know how things were going to shake out.

  • brenda pound

    Exactly what’s the point of the increase of only 39 dollars if food gas electric water taxes all go up also people receiving ssi can’t ever afford to pay their bills especially those that don’t own their own houses and then the governement wonders why the increase in crime

  • Jerry

    But those who get other assistance beside social security will lose that much on that end. You may get $39 extra on S.S.I. but if you get housing asst, they will pay more for rent and get less food stamps so the government actually is the one who makes out on that one.

  • I guess every little help. But keep in mind that our inflation probably is also increasing such as food and gas prices. At least Social Security is doing something about it by giving more…

Comments are closed.