Social Security benefits to increase

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP/AP) - Social Security benefits are expected to increase by one or two percent, equaling between $12 and $24 a month. 

People at the Agawam Senior Center say the raise is not enough to cover increasing cost of living expenses.

Edie Chiba of Agawam thinks the government should keep the money and use it another way.  "Put it towards something that's going to help the country, like the budget.  I just think it's foolish to give people one percent or two percent.  What can you do when everything that you buy goes up five percent or ten percent?" remarked Chiba.

Another Agawam resident appreciates the effort but knows the raise won't be enough for some.  "It's something.  It doesn't amount to a heck of a lot because the gasoline is the worst killer of all of us.  It's the worst killer for the truck drivers who have to charge more to bring the food in," said Terry Letellier.

The government will release the actual amount of the cost of living increase Tuesday along with inflation results for September.