COLA

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022

October 13, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last 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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Michele G.

    Why do I receive November’s payment in December? So shouldn’t I receive 2 payments?

  2. Kevin R.

    When will I get my 2022 Social Security Benefits Statement?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kevin. We mail cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices throughout the entire month of December. However, you may be able to access it via the Message Center in your personal my Social Security account if you created it by November 17, 2021. Thanks!

      • Amy S.

        I just found out about this is it possible for me to sign up for this

  3. CD

    Have 2022 Social Security Benefits Statements been mailed yet (December 20, 2021)?

    • Maurice W.

      Received New Benefit Amount today, 12/20/21.

      Amount is showing $50 less for 2022 than 2021
      Don’t understand why.

    • A.C.

      Hi, CD. We mail cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices throughout the entire month of December. However, you may be able to access it via the Message Center in your personal my Social Security account if you created it by November 17, 2021. Thanks!

    • Roy J.

      Just would like to keep up with latest news on benefits .

  4. aj

    Is it true the Medicare costs will increase a substantial amount and that is part of why the increase in Income is happening? Hold-harmless provision?

    • B h.

      Yes

    • Bh

      We’re actually not getting a penny . The entire raise is going to Medicare

      • Lana S.

        Not so. The ss raise is more than your Medicare insurance.

      • James P.

        Y does Medicare get 1/3 or more of the increase of living / y not cut the cost of Medicare ???!!!??

  5. Izakiel a.

    How much will my social security go up in 2022 825 now

    • A.C.

      Hi, Izakiel. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  6. sadiqa h.

    Will the representative payee fee go up because the SSI check went up 5.9 percent?

  7. Jeffrey J.

    If you receive 820 what’s the best increase

  8. Samuel l.

    Cost of living is up 9.3 % why are we just getting 5.9% ?

    • Bh

      They’re a bunch of crooks. The entire amount of our raise is going towards Medicare. So, you’re actually not getting anything

  9. Frank A.

    If I received my check for social security on the 3rd of every month for the past 12 years am I still going to get my check on the 3rd in 2022 thank you

    • A.C.

      Hi, Frank. Thanks for your question. Our payment schedule has not changed. For Social Security benefits, most payment dates are based on your birthdate. We issue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments at the beginning of the month. Check out our blog, What Day of the Month Do I Get my Social Security Payment. We hope this helps.

      • Teresa P.

        How come people on disability don’t even get minimal wage, 800. A month is hard to live on.

  10. S.P

    Medicare will take an additional $70 after the social security increase. My net will be $1 less than what I’m making now.

    • Agnes H.

      Is Medicare Ins increasing from $148.50 to $170.00?

      • A.C.

        Hi, Agnes. For information about Medicare premiums in 2022, visit Medicare Costs At a Glance. We hope this helps.

Comments are closed.