Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today welcomed news that millions of the country's Social Security recipients will see a boost in their monthly benefits.

The Social Security Administration has announced that retirement benefits will increase by 3.6 percent beginning in 2012.  The increase was determined by an inflation measure that determines the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

"This increase in benefits will provide a boost to thousands of New Mexico seniors who - like many Americans – have been feeling the terrible effects of the country's current economic downturn," Bingaman said.