| LATEST NUMBERS KEEP
VETS' 2010 COLA AT ZERO PER CENT
CPI-W inflation was just 0.4 per cent
in May, leaving disabled veterans projected with no COLA for 2010.
by Larry Scott, VA Watchdog
dot Org
Well, it's time for our monthly
dose of bad news.
The cost-of-living allowance (
COLA ) for Social Security recipients and veterans who receive VA
disability compensation is still tracking at ZERO per cent for
2010.
 The
latest
Consumer Price Index ( CPI ) figures from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics show
a slight increase in inflation, but not enough to make a dent.
The CPI-W numbers ( used to
calculate COLA ) for May 2009 took a slight swing upward ... just
a 0.4% increase.
That means the CPI-W is still -3.1% for the year. And, as long as
that number stays negative or is zero, there's no comp COLA for
veterans or SSers.
To break even, the CPI-W would have to rise nearly 0.8% a month
for the next four months (on average) ... something that doesn't
look likely to happen ... and, the increase would have to be
higher than that to see any COLA in 2010.
The chart below explains the
number ... click on the chart for a larger view.
And, if you wish a detailed
explanation about how all of these figures are calculated,
click here.
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TOPICS:
veterans, veterans' benefits, VA, Department of Veterans' Affairs,
cost-of-living allowance, COLA , CPI-W |
