I'm not sure if I can post this link or not but I thought it was important and should be viewed.

It seems that those of use who depend upon Social Security and it's Cost of Living Adjustment every year may be in for a surprise this year.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090823/...smaller_checks

I read about this today. It's very disheartening. Why is it always the ones who can least afford it the ones who take the biggest hit?

All the unnecessary spending needs to stop. We don't need professionally made signs telling us that stimulus money is at work in our communities. We can figure that out for ourselves!

I doubt if there will be a raise in payments for a few years to come.

I heard this and yes it sucks. But other programs are also being hit hard like college grants, childcare, back to work programs, etc. even though it was said that wouldn't happen. We're just trying to remember the gov saying all of us will have to sacrifice until this is over and I guess this is one of those. I wonder if we'll get back pay for how long we have to go without a COLA? I say we sign a petition that we'll do it but we want the money back when things are better. Yeah, I know, I am dreaming again.

Last night I was listening to the newsman on tv and he said "there will not be a COLA for two years, and while it's against the law to reduce the benfits in a person's social security check, the money we lay out for Medicare Part D will be increased."

Does this mean that the money they take out of my social security check each month, well, are they going to INCREASE this amount.

For example, they take $98 each month out of my check, so, if this is true, and they increase this amount, well, how much do you think they will be taking out of our social security (beginning next year)?

Anyone hazard a guess?
Melody

I don't know Melody but it is true. They will raise medicare costs while freezing COLA for all of you on SS. Jim pays the same amount you do so I imagine it will go up a certain % and we have to minus that off our checks from what they are now. My mom relies on COLA for her increases in rent and Medicare so not sure what she'll do when she finds out. I wonder how many other government checks will be frozen for COLA? We also get a VA pension because of Jim's military service and there is a COLA every year. Guess we'll have to wait and see. Jim's SS check is so little now that increasing Medicare and no COLA will more than likely put him under $700 a month because he didn't work long. Hang on, the ride is going to get bumpy everyone.

It's kind of ironic isn't it? No tax increase for those under 200g's but those making "jack be knimble" on SS will not get their COLA? I know they say the economy hasn't improved since the economy fell. I don't know about you guys, everything is expensive out there so that is an increase in the economy!