Social Security announces benefit increase

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for more than 72.5 million people will increase 2.5% in 2025, the Social Security Administration said in a statement.

On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.

Over the last decade the cost-of-living increase has averaged about 2.6%. It was 3.2% in 2024.

Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment beginning in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on Dec. 31, 2024.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages.

Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is set to increase to $176,100, up from $168,600.

Social Security began notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December.

Extended-stay hotel opens in Richland 

Travelers visiting the Tri-Cities will now have a new option: an extended-stay hotel. LivAway Suites recently opened the hotel at 1289 Tapteal Drive in Richland. It’s the company’s second installation, just a few months after the first hotel opened in West Jordan, Utah.  

LivAway Suites focuses on offering straightforward services and essential amenities to provide a comfortable and affordable stay for both long- and short-term visitors.

The development company, West77 Partners, plans to develop 10 to 15 LivAway Suites hotels in Washington in the coming years, said Dan Barrett, West77 Partners’ president in a statement.  

Seniors encouraged to get vaccinated before holidays

Health officials are urging seniors to get vaccinated as the holidays approach to protect against Covid-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

Adults 65 and older are recommended to get two doses of the updated Covid-19 vaccine, and annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots can be received at the same time as other vaccines, including Covid-19 and RSV.

One dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults 75 and older, as well as those between 60 and 74 years old who are at increased risk of severe disease.

Go to: vaccines.gov.

Initiative to roll back state’s long-term care program fails

An initiative to make Washington’s long-term care program, and paying the tax that funds it, voluntary for state residents failed at the polls in November.

About 55.5% of voters opposed Initiative 2124 while 44.5% voted for it. The measure was one of four on the statewide ballot this year. The election will be certified Dec. 5.

The initiative would’ve amended the WA Cares program so people could opt out of it at any time.

Currently, most workers in the state must take part in the program and pay the tax to support it.

Making the program voluntary could’ve financially destroyed the program, according to analyses and critics of the ballot measure.

The program applies a 0.58% tax on the paychecks of workers in Washington. Beginning in July 2026, those who qualify can begin accessing the program’s benefit, a lifetime amount of $36,500, a sum that is set to rise in future years to account for inflation. The benefit can be used toward expenses like caretaking, equipment, medication and meals.

WA Cares has drawn criticism since it became law in 2019.

Opponents say too many people paying the tax may never use the full benefit. Another argument against the program is that the benefit is too small to be meaningful when stacked against the potentially heavy costs of long-term care.

Supporters of the program say it is an important piece to solving the growing need for long-term care as the state’s population ages.

– Washington State Standard

Vandalism prompts city to close parks

Richland has temporarily closed parts of Wye Park and Columbia Park West after a significant increase in vandalism, damage to public facilities and illegal activities.

“We take the stewardship of our parks seriously,” said Joe Schiessl, deputy city manager, in a statement, “and we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents. Unfortunately, the recent actions have made it imperative to take immediate action.”

The city said the closure will reduce the pressure on the parks and natural resources and allow the city time to perform necessary maintenance.