Reply #71: Couple points:

[Statistical]

a) However increases beyond COLA will deplete SS trust fund faster. Just because there is "money there" is foolish reason to spend it. That money has to last decades until Boomers die. To spend it just because you "can" is horribly irresponsible.

b) Congress could do that but it wouldn't be a COLA increase it would be supplemental SS increase. CPI is below 2008 peak thus there will be no COLA increases until CPI reaches previous peak

SS is a fixed income plan. On the day you retire you get $x. It might be $1,000 it might be $1,200 but THAT AMOUNT WILL NEVER INCREASE. While the nominal might increase the buying power NEVER will. Any increase in COLA simply means that prices have increased thus your buying power is exact the same.