Social Security announced on Wednesday a 3.6 percent increase in benefits for next year, the first raise since 2009. A look at the program:

—Beneficiaries: 55 million

—Retired workers: 35 million

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—Disabled workers: 8.5 million

—Spouses and children: 5 million

—Widows, widowers and surviving children: 6.3 million

—Total benefits to be paid in 2011: $727 billion

—Average monthly payment in August: $1,082

—Average monthly increase next year: $39

—Number of workers who will pay into Social Security next year: 161 million

—Maximum wages subject to Social Security tax this year: $106,800

—Maximum wages subject to Social Security tax next year: $110,100

—Number of workers who will get a tax increase: 10 million

—Maximum tax increase: $205, paid by both worker and employer

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Source: Social Security Administration.

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