Menendez: Nearly 1.5 Million New Jersey Social Security Recipients Will See Relief in 2012
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Seniors Will Get 3.6 Percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2012
October 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today applauded the news that New Jersey’s nearly 1.5 million Social Security recipients will see a 3.6 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beginning in 2012. The announcement of a Cost of Live Adjustment (COLA) means that Social Security beneficiaries will receive an additional $500, on average, each month, leading to a total of $14,748 a year in average total benefits.
“This economy has hurt all New Jerseyans, and has been especially difficult for retired seniors. Today’s announcement means $500 a month more in the pockets of senior citizens living on Social Security,” Menendez said. “Social Security is a necessity for the millions of elderly and disabled Americans who are struggling to cover medical bills and daily expenses. I am glad that these beneficiaries will be able to count on a cost-of-living adjustment next year.”
Menendez has a long history of supporting the Social Security program. In 2009, he voted in support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5), which provided for a one-time economic recovery payment of $250 to provide beneficiaries with additional funds to make up for the lack of a COLA that year.
Senator Menendez cosponsored the Senior Citizens Relief Act (S. 3976). This legislation would have provided an additional $250 payment to Social Security beneficiaries facing the second straight year without a COLA.
Menendez cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act of 2009 (S.484). This legislation would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which limit the Social Security benefits available to individuals and families who also benefit from government pensions.
County Total Beneficiaries (As of Dec. 2010)
Atlantic 51,835
Bergen 153,595
Burlington 80,750
Camden 89,255
Cape May 26,685
Cumberland 28,655
Essex 111,085
Gloucester 49,930
Hudson 76,470
Hunterdon 20,885
Mercer 62,400
Middlesex 119,270
Monmouth 109,490
Morris 78,435
Ocean 149,365
Passaic 34031
Salem 34033
Somerset 34035
Sussex 34037
Union 34039
Warren 34041