Headline RoundupOctober 13th, 2021

Social Security Benefits to Increase 5.9% in 2022, Spurred by Inflation

Summary from the AllSides News Team

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022 will be 5.9%, the Social Security Administration announced Wednesday, marking a sharp increase from the last decade’s 1.65% average yearly adjustment. The average retiree will receive an additional $92 each month, with couples receiving an average increase of $154. The change is the largest since 1982’s 7.4% increase and is slightly higher than 2009’s 5.8% increase. The announcement came as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 5.4% year-over-year increase in consumer prices, largely driven by food and energy prices. 

Right-rated outlets were more likely to highlight the role of “surging” inflation in this story, with some outlets calling the benefits increase “massive.” Some left- and center-rated outlets also used words like “spiked” and “soaring” to describe the size of inflation and the benefits increase.

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