Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).
The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs.
We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But, if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your my Social Security account. You can access this information in early December prior to the mailed notice.
If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account to opt out of a mailed COLA notice and any other notices that are available online by updating your Preferences in the Message Center. Did you know you can receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? That way, you always know when we have something important for you – like your COLA notice. If you don’t have an account yet, you must create one by November 17, 2021, to receive the 2022 COLA notice online.
January 2022 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2022 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2022.
Be among the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications.
You can find more information about the 2022 COLA here.
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Tags: COLA, my Social Security, my Social Security account
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Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Arizona V.
How much as increase in 2022
V.V.
Hi Arizona, thanks for using our blog. All monthly Social Security (retirement, disability and survivors) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022.
The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021.
For more details about the new COLA, visit our Cost-of-Living Adjustment information page.
Susan
Is this actually going to be an increase or just about 50 dollars, that is no help to the people that are suffering and at the edge of the door, because it doesn’t meet the cost of living?
Jason L.
No it definitely doesn’t help it takes a 1000 dollar or more to even get by I don’t even make that I have to borrow from family if I get hungry are just starve cuz they don’t people who only get 800 dollars can’t make it on that alone dam government needs to wake up cuz it’s hurting the American people instead of helping?
V.V.
Hi Susan, thanks for using our blog. All monthly Social Security (retirement, disability and survivors) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022.
The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021.
For more details about the new COLA, visit our Cost-of-Living Adjustment information page.
Christine A.
I just realized that my January 2022 check will now be 10 days later than it has been. All of my bill payments will be late. I have some that are automatically deducted and will have to deal with this. My Question: “Why are we not made aware of this BIG change?”
V.V.
Hi Christine, thanks for using our blog. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for 2022 payment dates.
Myrtle C.
Why is the dates changing.I have Always got my social security check on the 3 rd of the month for years
I have to pay my rent on or before the 3 rd of every month or charged an extra $25.00 per day late fees
I am almost 80 I Can Not do this ,my birthday is on 04/14/1942
V.V.
Hi Myrtle, thanks for using our blog. The payment dates are not changing. Check out our Schedule of Social Security Payments for the 2022 payment dates.
RITA W.
The ONLY way a person will continue to receive SSA benefits on the 3rd of the month is IF they were born in 1935 or before. Thereby being eligible at age 62 in 1997 to apply.
The rest of us are expected to stretch our benefit check of December 3rd to last 5 , 6 , or 7 weeks.
Bella C.
I feel the same way thats not right !!
Liz K.
What good is a five % increase when they are taken more than half it back towards your insurance???? What a farce
Joy M.
You are so right!!! Infuriating!!!
Susan L.
Kenny O, can you tell me what the 2022 part B premium will be. I understand there will be a raise from 148.50. As I am still working, turning 65 and not of full retirement age, I need to decide if I should keep my employers insurance or enroll in part B. I would like true figures to work with. With out the increase taking part B at $148.50 is the better option.
I’m running out of time. Please help!!
Sandy
It will be $170.10 next year. Biggest increase ever.
Donald D.
The cola increase does not cover the inflation rate, and the Medicare increase is just taking away from social security cola. So how is the elderly gaining buying power. They all loose in the long run.so the government is not giving much but instead taking away much.
Jessie
So when you get a raise on social security, the price of Medicare goes up ,so your really not getting a raise. It’s just a balancing act…
good o.
your employer will be happy. they dont have to pay your health insurance anymore. i,m still working, turning 65 in january. my employer,s $1000 monthly cost for health insurance when i transition to medicare. he will pay the part b cost
good o.
oops. the $1000 cost goes away
V.V.
Hi Susan, thanks for reaching out. Information about Medicare changes for 2022 is available at http://www.medicare.gov.
Gone T.
Susan,
There is sooo….. much no one tells you!
It is extremely difficult to stop the Medicare deduction for the extra insurance. AND even harder to get it reinstated.
My Husband continued his work insurance as I was not eligible yet for Medicare.
Even though we paid for his, they only let us use the Medicare insurance.
If the work insurance is only for you, you no longer need it.
Also, if you make over a certain amount working, you have to PAY BACK some of the SS payments that they sent you during the year.
A lot of things like that! Be careful. Your Tax Guy should know many of them.
Roy
Every article I read about COLA is very confusing and basically say’s that ONLY retired receive COLA. Is that true? The reason I want to know is, I plan on retiring In March 2022. As example, let’s say I would take home $1,000.00 per month by looking at the SSA estimator. Because the new 5.9% COLA activates in January, Can I add this new 5.9% COLA to the $1,000.00 and estimate I would take home $1,059.00? Nobody can answer this question for me. I even emailed SSA but they never gave me an answer, only a link to the new COLA. I realize SSA cannot give advice and I’m not looking for advice, only facts how COLA affects me in March 2022. If anyone could answer this, I would be very appreciative.
Dalton H.
$720.00 means that added to the cost of living, which is great. Don’t go over budget with your pennies, just know that help is finally here, thanks to our President Joe Biden giving a care and being aware of what it actually takes to live in this time of today and adhere to the cost of living to live. Take care now.
Deb S.
SSA is giving recipients a raise in 2022. However, as usual, Medicare is going take it all back by also raising premiums and deductibles. If your retired, like me, you won’t see much if any increase in your annual income.
V.V.
Hi Roy, thanks for using our blog. If you are an insured worker, you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 62. Regardless of when you choose to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount will include all cost-of-living increases starting with December of the year you attain age 62. Check out our Social Security Benefit Amounts web page for more details. We hope this is helpful.
Frank M.
My wife started collecting ss at the age of 64
My question when I reach my full ss age my ss will be much more than hers. Does see get 1/2 amount of mine and forfeit hers
Dalton H.
No, it only goes to you.
V.V.
Hi Frank, thanks for using our blog. We will always pay your wife’s own retirement benefit first. If benefits as a spouse are higher than her own retirement benefits, she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. However, the spouse’s benefit cannot exceed one-half of your full retirement amount. So, she can only receive additional spouse’s benefits if her own full retirement benefit (not her reduced benefit) is less than half of your full retirement benefit.
Generally, during the initial interview when you apply for Social Security benefits, we typically explore all other benefits including spouse’s benefits for your wife.
Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your retirement benefits online.
If you are unable or would rather not apply online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. We hope this information helps.
Andi G.
She will get half or yours only if it is higher than her full amount. She gets whichever is higher.
Carrie P.
If I receive my SSI on the first of the month will that change in 2022?
Jonathan M.
Yes finally.
V.V.
Hi Carrie, thanks for using our blog. The payment schedule is not changing. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for payment dates.
sai
This website and its content is really good, I really like this website, it give so much information.
i learn something new after reading this post thanks for sharing Your Knowledge with us
Quiz answers
DONNA L.
I can not get into my online account
For socail security Administration. Gov
To, view, my Socail Security income
Information, or Change! My Direct Deposit
Information
Donna Feddern
DONNAFEDDERN67@GMAIL.COM
Dalton H.
Family’s are fundamental and needed, for more than neighborhoods to rise, this is need for the very well being of a people as well. Bless.
Kate N.
Dalton you’re an idiot!
Karen D.
I have been getting my benefits on the 3rd of the month, will this change in 2022?
Robert L.
Depending on when your birthday is, SS benefits are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month.
DOB before the 11th day of the month, first Wed
DOB after the 10th but before the 21st, second Wed
DOB after the 20th, third Wed
Dean
???? My birthday is the 3rd and I get paid on the second Wednesday.
V.V.
Hi Dean, thanks for using our blog. The payment schedule is not changing. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for payment dates.
Gale L.
my dob is the 11th of the month,, I have always rec’d check 3rd WED so is this wrong????
V.V.
Hi Gale, thanks for using our blog. The payment schedule is not changing. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for payment dates.
Denise
I am also on the third how are we suppose to pay rent if it comes on the 12th
V.V.
Hi Denise, thanks for using our blog. The payment schedule is not changing. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for payment dates.
Joseph E.
I receive my on the 3 rd of the month will I still get it on the 3 rd in 2022
V.V.
Hi Joseph, thanks for using our blog. The payment schedule is not changing. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for payment dates.
V.V.
Hi Karen, thanks for reaching out. The payment schedule is not changing. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefits on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth – Payment Day:
1st through 10th – Second Wednesday
11th through 20th – Third Wednesday
21st through 31st – Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Payment Dates section of the Social Security Handbook for more details. Also, visit our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page for payment dates.
Brian C.
Vonda my dear government bot, you are saying at first there is not a change, then you show a change for most recipients, what gives.