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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Phyllis F.
I have applied for Disability. Does that application automatically apply for me to receive SSI while I’m waiting on my Disability? I have recently been diagnosed with a malignant cancer that needs immediate attention. I don’t have funds as I haven’t worked in over 3 years. I cannot afford chemo without some help.
A.C.
Hi, Phyllis. We are sorry to hear about your condition. 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. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Lisa
If me and my spouse have been separated for almost three years he has refused to sign separation papers and I can’t afford a divorce even if I apply as indegent so how can I ever be considered a single individual instead of married we both have used different addresses for years what do I do now? Also do I have to be legally divorced to get my last named changed back to my maiden name
Lee R.
If I sign up for SSI in January 2022 will I still be able to get the cost of living increase?
A.C.
Hi, Lee. Thanks for your question. A 5.9% percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits was announced in October 13, 2021. It took effect for SSI beneficiaries in December 2021 for the payment due on January 1st, 2022. Social Security retirement, disability, and other beneficiaries will see the increase on their monthly benefits on their first benefit payment in January 2022. For more information on COLA, check out our web page. We hope this helps.
Latonya K.
I get SSI and SSDI I don’t work and I’m single. Will I get cola money
A.C.
Hi, Latonya. Thanks for your question. A 5.9% percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits was announced in October 13, 2021. It took effect for SSI beneficiaries in December 2021 for the payment due on January 1st, 2022. Social Security retirement, disability, and other beneficiaries will see the increase on their monthly benefits on their first benefit payment in January 2022. For more information on COLA, check out our web page. We hope this helps.
Steve c.
Will there be more money for ssdi recipients on the 12th 19th and 26th of this month “”up to 1,358 dollars
Susan G.
Why was my ss ck the same as Dec??
A.C.
Hi, Susan. 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.
Angela O.
My husband’s statement he got says he’s not getting a COLA raise on his Social Security why is that?
A.C.
Hi, Angela. For your husband’s security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. He can can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, he will have a shorter wait if he calls later in the day. He can also contact his local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Nancy J.
When will I recieve a statement stqaing what I will get in Social Secuity this year. I usually get one in December of previous year (2021)
A.C.
Hi, Nancy. We mailed 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!
Loni
Do I need to report my cola for my Fers/CSRS pension to SSA? I called and was told I did not need to report the Cola because OPM notifies SSA.
Mel L.
Elderly dementia family member unable to set up personal online account. What are our option(s) to access her information?
V.V.
Hi Mel, thanks for using our blog. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of your family member unless you are their representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with them does not authorize you to access information on their Social Security record. If they are not capable of managing and directing their Social Security benefits, someone should consider applying to be their payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage.
If you would like to apply to be their representative payee, call 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.