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3,500 SS beneficiaries will see 8.7% benefits increase starting January
Average monthly increase in SS benefits will be $68
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Posted on Oct 17 2022
Gregorio Sablan
Some 3,500 beneficiaries of Social Security in the Marianas will see their benefits increase by 8.7% beginning January 2023, according to Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) over the weekend
Sablan also disclosed in his e-kilili newsletter that the CNMI Department of Public Safety is receiving $756,819 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to support hiring nine career law enforcement officers.
Sablan said the Social Security Administration announced on Thursday the 8.7 percent increase of benefits. He said this translates to an average monthly increase in benefits of about $68.
The delegate said this substantial cost of living allowance, or COLA, increase is meant to match inflation over the last year as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
He said Social Security benefits contribute $32 million annually to the Marianas economy.
Sablan said over 2,100 retired workers receive the monthly benefit, along with another 1,400 disabled workers, widows and widowers, spouses, and children.
With respect to DPS, the delegate said the U.S. Congress funds the COPS Hiring Program to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing.
