1. Purpose.To ensure that state workforce agencies are aware of the increases in social security survivors and old age retirement annuities and Federal civilian pensions due to annual cost of living adjustments (COLAs).
2. Background. The 2005 COLA for social security survivors and old age retirement annuities and Federal civilian pensions was effective December 1, 2004. The percent of increase was included in the benefit paid January 3, 2005. (See Federal Register, Vol. 69, No. 206, October 26, 2004, Notices 62497-62502.)
Federal civilian retirees who received benefits for at least a year under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) received a 2.7 percent COLA increase; Federal civilian retirees who received benefits for at least a year under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) received a COLA increase of 2.0 percent. Both CSRS and FERS COLA increases were effective December 1, 2004, and were paid in the January 1, 2005, annuity check.
3. Action Required. State Administrators should provide this information to appropriate staff.
4. Inquiries. Direct inquiries to the appropriate Regional Office.
5. Attachment. Cost of Living Annuity Adjustment Percentages Schedule.
| RESCISSIONS | EXPIRATION DATE |
| UIPL 09-04 | January 2006 |