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Benefits April 30, 2001
Computer Glitch Nets Extra Social Security Check
April 30, 2001 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Retirees could be
getting an extra check in July, courtesy of a government
computer glitch.
Reported by Nevin E. Adams
A software glitch in 1999 caused the Bureau of Labor Statistics to miscalculate consumer inflation as 2.4%, rather than 2.5%. As a result of the CPI error, the December 1999 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) paid in January 2000 was increased by less than it should have been.
Dollar Days
The shortfall for the majority of beneficiaries is $1 per month – about $19 per recipient. That 0.1% difference is reportedly costing the government about $50 million to correct.
About 45 million retirement beneficiaries and some 6 million recipients of supplemental security will get the one-time checks in mid-July, according to Social Security Administration officials.
The extra payments will occur automatically, with no action required by the retirees. They will receive a written explanation, however (details at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/cpifixfact.htm ).
Adjusted payment amounts will begin effective with the
August 2001 payment.