> Cynics say it's to keep the cost of social security increases low, since they're based on the "officially reported" inflation rate. Intentional or not, it ce

> Cynics say it's to keep the cost of social security increases low, since they're based on the "officially reported" inflation rate. Intentional or not, it certainly has had that effect. Social security payments haven't kept up with the cost of living. My grandparents managed to live on social security alone. My father has social security and a state pension and still needs a part time job.