The Social Security trustees project no cost of living increase for the next two years, something that has not happened since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975. The annual percentage increase in payments:
Year — Increase
1975 — 8.0
1976 — 6.4
1977 — 5.9
1978 — 6.5
1979 — 9.9
1980 — 14.3
1981 — 11.2
1982 — 7.4
1984 — 3.5
1985 — 3.5
1986 — 3.1
1987 — 1.3
1988 — 4.2
1989 — 4.0
1990 — 4.7
1991 — 5.4
1992 — 3.7
1993 — 3.0
1994 — 2.6
1995 — 2.8
1996 — 2.6
1997 — 2.9
1998 — 2.1
1999 — 1.3
2000 — 2.5
2001 — 3.5
2002 — 2.6
2003 — 1.4
2004 — 2.1
2005 — 2.7
2006 — 4.1
2007 — 3.3
2008 — 2.3
2009 — 5.8
2010 — 0.0-x
2011 — 0.0-x
x-Projected by Social Security trustees.
Note: Before 1983, cost of living increases were award in July. Starting in 1984, they have been awarded in January.
Source: Social Security Administration