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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.

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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. 

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TAX-SAVVY WAYS 
TO WRAP UP 2026

It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill. 

You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.

Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings. 

Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year. 

So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Comments
  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

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