Inflation sizzled in September -- and Social Security benefits will get a boost

Consumer prices in September jumped 3.7% from a year ago. The Social Security Administration said benefits will increase next year to help keep pace with the rising cost of living.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/5000x3333!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F56%2F61%2Fc0ae826a434f85125c7d6ab98c31%2Fgettyimages-2298003777.jpg' alt='Rising gasoline and diesel prices pushed inflation higher in September. The cost of living index was up 3.7%, according to a report Wednesday from the Labor Department.'/><p>Consumer prices in September jumped 3.7% from a year ago. The Social Security Administration said benefits will increase next year to help keep pace with the rising cost of living. </p><p>(Image credit: Isabelle Souriment/Hans Lucas)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-6000593' />