My father used to receive over $600/month for Social Security.  Then, the net payment was lowered to $579.00.

However, for next year, he is getting a 5.8% increase due to the rise in the cost of living.  Unfortunately, the Medicare premium he pays will increase and he also must pay $211.90 for the income-related monthly adjustment amount, based on his 2007 income tax return.

His new social security NET income?  $556.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go figure!