In 1980, Social Security gave recipients a 14.3% raise. It came during an extraordinary period of Great US inflation

In 1980, Social Security recipients experienced an unprecedented 14.3% cost-of-living adjustment, a drastic response to soaring inflation that gripped the nation. Benefit adjustments are tied to consumer price fluctuations, which surged significantly during that era. In contrast, recent adjustments have dwindled, with a modest 2.8% expected for 2026, illustrating how larger COLAs correspond to steep price hikes rather than mere acts of government benevolence.