Seniors to receive Social Security boost

WASHINGTON – Rhode Island seniors and disabled people receiving Social Security benefits will see a cost-of-living adjustment of 3.6 percent in their monthly checks starting in January 2012, the Social Security Administration announced on Oct. 19.
“This is welcome news for Rhode Island seniors struggling to stay afloat in this tough economy,” said U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. “I’ve heard from countless seniors in every part of the state who have been frustrated to see their income lag behind as costs for gas, groceries, and prescriptions have risen. This increase will provide some relief and help seniors keep up with those rising costs.”
More than 200,000 Rhode Islanders currently receive Social Security benefits, which paid an average of just $1,088 per month in 2010. Those Rhode Islanders can expect an average annual increase of $470 next year.