Seniors struggling with the economy will be getting some help from Uncle Sam come January. The Social Security Administration announced Thursday the largest benefits increase in more than a quarter-century.

Benefits for 50 million Americans will be go up 5.8 percent next year. The cost of living adjustment will mean an additional $63 per month for the average retiree. The change is based on the amount the Consumer Price Index increases from July through September from one year to the next.

The increase is the largest since a 7.4 percent jump in 1982 and is more than double the 2.3 percent rise that retirees got in their monthly checks starting last January. The typical retiree's monthly check will go from $1,090 to $1,153.

For George Reinhardt and Shirley Sneckenberg of Omaha, the golden years have brought financial uncertainty. "The market keeps going like a roller coaster and you don't know where to put your, if you have any extra money, you don't know where to put it,” says Shirley.

"Everything's going up in price, groceries, gasoline,” says George. “It certainly helps, yes. It's not the panacea for everything. You better have other investments besides Social Security. You can't be assured of your pension anymore either as far as that's concerned. So it is a very important part of my income, that's for sure."

For Shirley, the added piece of mind couldn't come at a better time. "I was doing pretty good and then my husband passed away two months ago."

Social Security has been what's helped her get by and stay at the New Cassel Retirement Center. "My apartment rent, I don't do a lot of eating out. We get three good meals a day."

She and George can count on something else. Their bigger checks won't be eaten away by higher Medicare premiums. Part B, which pays for doctor’s services, is one fund that actually gained ground in this market.

Because of gains in the Medicare Part B trust fund, that premium will hold steady at $96.40 a month, although higher-income people, including couples making more than $170,000 annually, will see their premiums increase.

With everything else costing more, one question remains. Is it enough of an increase? “Well, we could always use more, let's put it that way," says George.