1975: 8% COLABefore 1975, Social Security benefit increases were not automatic. Because of this, Social Security recipients could go years without an increase and then receive a large, politically timed Social Security COLA boost. 1980: 14.3% COLAIn the late 1970s, the U.S. experienced stagflation, with high inflation, stagnant or weak economic growth, and high unemployment occurring simultaneously. This raise helped push Social Security to the brink of the funding cliff, forcing Congress to step in with solutions to keep the program solvent. While an 8% or 10% raise in benefits may sound wonderful, any large COLA increase is a clear indication of the financial struggles Social Security recipients are experiencing.