Peacenik

The increase, although technically as of Dec 1 is payable the following month. So the Jan check will only reflect one month's increase, not two. Don't be expecting two months of additional money on Jan 1.

How proud you must be. Just kidding. :D

JJ Please believe me, I'm on your side. I think these colas suck too. I'm just trying to provide a service to you and all veterans on this site by giving accurate info based on fact! I know congress always gets a bigger increase than us, yes, I'm a disabled vet too! I resent the fact that congress' raise is based on a more favorable rate table. But I'm just the reporter, don't shoot the messenger. Fact is the president has not reduced the cola determined by BLS and cannot without enacting new law. I'm with ya brother. We should get higher raises than those who supposedly serve us! Stay strong!

C'mon guys! Stop with the misinformation. The Cola is determined ONLY by the Bureau of labor Statistics. It cannot be reduced under law. Read the Law! Legislation enacted in 1983 may limit the COLA if the combined assets of the Social Security trust funds are below 20 percent of annual expenditures. (This limitation only applies to Social Security; SSI would be unaffected.) Such limitation has not occurred in the past, nor does it affect the current COLA determination. The combined trust fund assets at the beginning of 2005 are estimated to be 319.1 percent of 2005 expenditures. It IS what it IS!! He has not reduced the Cola in the last six years!! He cannot without changing federal law! Enough already!

Nowhere did I say that ssa calculates the cola. My link is to the tables used by BLS Just do the math and you will see I'm correct. I'm not gonna keep going around with you on this. I'm trying to provide Accurate info for Vets. The Cola so far for 2006 is 4.098% The number we have to beat by 8 points to remain at 4% is 195 for Sept. 2006. that's why I believe the final tally will be around 3.2% Just look at the website I quoted and compare it to the Table on BLS website. THEY ARE THE SAME!!!!!!!! Here's the table!!!!!! http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/surveymost Click on Get detailed statistics, then go down to CPI for urban wage earners and clerical workers (current series) Then click on the BLUE box next to it. Then select the first box and scroll down and click retrieve data. THAT IS THE TABLE THEY USE. IT IS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I PROVIDED A LINK TO IN MY EARLIER POST!!!! Now you can continue to give false info or you can see it for yourself!!

I think your quoted website should check their math. Here's the formula for calculating CPI/W (192.7 - 185.1) / 185.1 x 100 = 4.1 This represents last year's COLA This year's so far is: July and Aug 2005 avg=191.55 July and Aug 2006 avg=199.4 Now plug these into the formula. (199.4 - 191.55) /191.55 x 100 = 4.098% I really don't know where they got their figures. Here's the link to the actual bureau of labor statistics where the cola is calculated. http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/cpiw.html

I don't think 3.8% is gonna happen. I hope that other site is correct but my best guess if I had to make one is 3.2%. The other poster is right that cost of gas /oil is not considered in CPI/W but those costs are part of the other goods and services that are part of cpi/w. In other words oil prices raise or lower other stuff because of transport costs etc.

Not true, the cola is based solely on the CPI/W. By the way, I agree that the rate of inflation is higher than that. You just have to live and breathe to know that. My best to you.

The COLA number so far is 4.1%, not 2%. Unfortunately though, The sept number has to come in high because we had a high number last sept. The final tally will be available on Oct 18th. I suspect that because oil prices are dropping that 4.1% will end up in the area of 2.9-3.4% That's just an educated guess. I don't see it dropping below 2.7% though. That's just not gonna happen. I'll post the real number on the morning of the 18th.

Hello, Well the august cpi/w numbers were just issued by Bureau of Labor Stats. It is 199.6 Which translates to a COLA number so far of 4.12% That could change quite a bit because the Sept number from last year was 195 So, we need a big number in Sept figures due out on Oct 18 in order to stay at that level. I suspect it will not stay above 4%. For instance if it was the same number as Aug., 199.6 that would translate to a final number of 3.2% In any case, I don't believe this year's cola will be lower than 3%. I guess that's good news. I suppose it depends on your perspective.

Just a little aside. The VCAA was called the most important veteran's legislation in a long while yet, today after clicking around enough I found that the appropriations for the bill was an ASTOUNDING 1 Billion over 10 YEARS! Wow, aren't we lucky to occupy such a high place on the nations agenda! It blows my mind. Sorry, just a little ranting. Allow me a little latitude. Thanks and Peace.

No, I never asked for it to be advanced. That's why I was surprised to get the letter saying it had been. In response to your observation, yeah, I think they've probably been screwin' with me long enough. Boy, it can get frustrating trying to interpret their thinking or lack thereof. Thanks for your interest. Peace

Hi Thanks for the links. I think I'm gonna like you! Peace

Hi Holli, Please don't get too discouraged. That is what their stock in trade is; delay, deny and maybe you will fold under the pressure. Don't buy into it. Keep your cool and plow ahead. Make sure you hit all of your deadlines and get good representation. Don't get mad, get even. Keep in touch if you need any moral support. Been there and got many T-shirts. Best of luck Peacenik.