Dubious Statistics

The Social Security Administration reports that the cost-of-living adjustment for 2017 will be a whopping 0.3%. That translates into a monthly increase of less than $4 a month for the average Social Security recipient. The cost-of-living adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index, generated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which measures price changes for food, housing, clothing, transportation, energy, medical care, recreation and education.

Meanwhile, the American Community Survey, part of the U.S. Census Bureau, reports that ten thousand low and middle income households leave San Francisco every year, replaced by new high income residents that can afford the skyrocketing rents. Anecdotally, a one-bedroom apartment in 2010 cost $1,000 a month. In 2012, it cost $2,000 a month. Today, it goes for $3,000 a month.

Three of the years since 2008 showed no cost-of-living increase for Social Security. Only once was it above 2%. Something doesn't add up.

Update on U.S. government screwing the elderly and disabled by cooking the books.