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No COLA Increase Second Year in Row

AARP reaction to no Social Security Increase for second year in a row

Washington, DC, October 2010 – AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond offered the following statement in reaction to the Social Security Administration’s anticipated announcement Friday that tens of millions of retired and disabled workers, their families and survivors of deceased workers will not receive a cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2011.  This is the second year in a row without a COLA since automatic Social Security adjustments went into effect in 1975.

“For over three decades, millions of older Americans have counted on annual Social Security benefit increases to help them afford their basic needs.  Unfortunately, the benefits they’ve earned will again be frozen next year, leaving millions who are struggling in this economy without an increase.

“Many Americans who rely on Social Security as their primary source of income continue to face financial hardship today.  Over the past two years, older Americans have paid more for utilities and food, experienced a decline in housing values, tried to recover from deep retirement account losses, struggled with rising health and prescription drug costs, and faced longer periods of unemployment for those who need to work.  AARP is asking Congress to provide relief to millions of older Americans in the post-election session.

“The calls and emails AARP has received from members concerned about the lack of a COLA increase serve as a reminder of the importance of Social Security’s guaranteed, life-long benefits, which continue to provide essential income support to millions of Americans. Even more troubling than the lack of an increase are discussions to target Social Security for cuts to reduce the deficit.  On behalf of our members and the millions of Americans who depend on Social Security, we have a message to all elected leaders and congressional candidates:  Older Americans need relief, not cuts to Social Security to reduce a deficit it didn’t cause.”

For more information, please visit www.aarp.org.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.