The government makes sure its fines keep up with inflation
What happened
The Social Security Administration has finalized a rule to make sure its maximum fines for breaking rules automatically increase each year. This means the financial cost of certain infractions will not erode over time.
Why it matters
A 2015 law required federal agencies to adjust their maximum civil penalties for inflation. This rule makes that process permanent for the Social Security Administration. It ensures that the government's ability to fine people for certain infractions maintains its purchasing power.
The signal
Watch for the annual notice of the new maximum penalty amounts, which will show how much the cost of infractions has risen each year.