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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Todd B.
I haven’t applied for social security yet. Why didn’t my benefit estimate increase 5.9% from my 2021 estimate?
Charles F.
I’ve been getting automatic preautorized credit for my Social Security check (ssa) deposited on the 15th of the month for 9 years into my bank account. Why has it not been deposited this month January 2022 today is Jan. 16,2022 and it has not been deposited. Is there a problem at the Treasury Dept. I’m a senior in my 70’s and quite concerned.
A.C.
Hi, Charles. If you did not receive your electronic payment on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.Thanks!
Rebecca K.
I received my first SS retirement check on January 1, 2022 (for December). My SS office told me the amount would not already have the 2022 COLA because it starts with the January pmt. which will be paid February 1. I have not received a notice of the COLA in the message center or by mail. When should I anticipate receiving this info and know what to anticipate for my next checks?
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. 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.
Stephen B.
I am on SsI disability for cancer- I now have Medicare part b deducted from this amount. Do I qualify to get that money reimbursed and how do I apply for the reimbursement added back into my disability check? Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Stephen. We are sorry to hear about your condition. To see if you qualify for the State to pay your Medicare premium, you will need to call your state medical assistance office for assistance.To get the local phone number, call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY, 1-877-486-2048). Thanks!
Clyde T.
I will be 66 in February how much can I make
Clyde T.
I will be 66 in February how can I make this year
A.C.
Hi, Clyde. If you were born in 1956, your full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. If you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. Please check out our Receiving Benefits While Working page for more information. We hope this helps.
Teresa V.
I am 70 years old and filing for SSI. I want to remain on my job full time for another 2-3 years. HOw much am I allowed to work before it impacts what I receive from SS
A.C.
Hi, Teresa. If you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. Please check out our Receiving Benefits While Working page for more information. We hope this helps.
suzanne g.
I am not yet drawing SSI but will be at FRA this month. When can I see the amount of projected SSI that reflects the COLA increase?
Terry F.
My New Benefit letter stated a 5.9% raise. The amount it stated to start January is not what I received. It was $35.70 less. I would like to know why?
A.C.
Hi, Terry. 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 office. We hope this helps.
Geneva J.
I didn’t get a 5.9 raise on my social security check. I only got 60.00 not 92.00