Congressman Andrews Announces a Much-Needed Raise for People on Social Security

Today, Congressman Andrews announced that more than 55 million Social Security recipients nationwide will receive a 3.6% increase in their benefits through a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The increase comes at the right time for retirees, senior citizens, and disabled people who are struggling to keep up with the rising costs to meet their basic needs.  This past summer Representative Andrews fought hard in Congress to protect social security benefits for South Jersey’s retired and disabled as well as all Americans who have been paying into social security for their entire working lives.

There has not been a Cost Of Living Adjustment since 2009. With the new COLA due to kick in this coming January, 120,000 people throughout the Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington County towns represented by Congressman Andrews will have more of the support they need and deserve to lead more healthy and productive lives.  On average, the increase will mean an extra $39 a month, which adds up to $468 a year.  For many, the increase in benefits could mean the difference between getting to see a doctor or not, buying groceries or going hungry, or even just being able to keep the lights on. 

“In this economy, it’s important that we remember how much tougher things have gotten for our more vulnerable retirees, seniors, and disabled people,” said Congressman Andrews.  “Over the last two years, costs in everything from clothes to food and gas have gone up, and so we must recognize and protect the promise that this country has made to those who have worked all their lives or have injured themselves to where they cannot work, that they will have the support that they deserve. They have earned this increase.”

Nationwide, all 55 million people who receive social security benefits will receive this 3.6% COLA increase, helping them to improve or maintain their current standard of living.  Congressman Andrews is committed to supporting Social Security in a fair and responsible way so that our nation’s senior citizens and disabled get the resources necessary to meet their basic needs.

                                                             ###

Return to the Washington Updates Page