Effect of COLA on Average Social Security Benefits

COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits

Social Security benefit data by…
benefit type or
family type

The latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to increase Social Security benefits is 1.7 percent. The COLA is first payable in January 2013.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for those in current-payment status at the end of December 2012 for selected types of beneficiaries or families.

**Estimated effect of 1.7-percent COLA on average benefits**
at the end of December 2012
Type of benefit or family		Before 1.7% COLA	After 1.7% COLA	Change
Benefit type	All retired workers	$1,240	$1,261	$21
Benefit type	All disabled workers	1,113	1,132	19
Family type	Disabled worker, spouse, and children	1,884	1,916	32
	Retired worker and aged spouse	2,014	2,048	34
	Surviving child(ren) only^a	1,024	1,041	17
	Aged widow(er) alone	1,194	1,214	20
	Widowed mother and 2 children	2,549	2,592	43
^a Family with one or more children excludes surviving parent or guardian who is ineligible to receive benefits. Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through September 2012.