COLA will be paid in 2012 and Medicare costs rise less than predicted. If you received Social Security or SSI benefits, here’s some good news. The Social Security Administration has announced that for the first time since 2009, a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be paid. Monthly benefits will increase 3.6% starting in January 2012 for Social Security beneficiaries and starting in December 30, 2011, for SSI recipients.