About 70 million Americans will see a boost of about 8.7% in their Social Security checks starting as soon as Friday.  The raise in benefits will go to both those receiving regular social security and supplemental security income benefits.

 The hike in the cost-of-living adjustments is the highest since 1981, based on inflation.  Average payouts will increase by more than $140 per month.  An added benefit for recipients is that Medicare premiums are going down, while social security benefits go up.

Senator Sherrod Brown is currently criticizing president Donald trump's recent social security income proposal. He believes it will hurt many Ohioans who rely on it.

Senator Brown says the President Trump's proposal is looking to dramatically increase the number of reviews for people who receive social security disability.

Dominion Energy Ohio reports that a small number of Lima customers will receive this month’s gas bill in a social security administration envelope. This was due to a third-party vendor error, but the contents of the envelope are legitimate and customers are safe to pay their bills using the enclosed return envelope or through another preferred payment method. If customers have any questions they should contact Dominion Energy’s call center at 1-800-362-7557. 

The Better Business Bureau is now warning people to be cautious about a new scam that could jeopardize your social security number and finances. This new phone scam is luring people in by convincing them that they owe back taxes or that their social security has been suspended. They then threaten to arrest you if you don't deposit money onto a gift card and send it to them. Scammers may even ask to verify bank accounts or card numbers. Often times scammers spoof or disguise their number to match that of the Social Security Administration or IRIS office. The BBB warns people to never disclose personal information and to discontinue the phone call if that happens.