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

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Comments

  1. Herminia C.

    I need an awards letter for 2022

    • A.C.

      Hi, Herminia. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by creating a personal my Social Security account online. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Blog community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope this helps.

  2. brigitte

    i’m trying to figure out if my ss check would be larger (given the 5.9% cola) if i started collecting ss on my benefits nov or dec 2021 vs waiting until i turn 70 feb 2022. i have been collecting spousal benefits since age 66.

    i have already applied for and have been awarded my benefit to begin feb 2022. if it is more financially beneficial to begin in 2021, is it too late to change my start date?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Brigitte. 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. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  3. Amedeo F.

    Searching for information on benefit spouse I turn 59 1/2 in one month

    • A.C.

      Hi, Amedeo. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Keep in mind that if you qualify for your own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. For more information about how to qualify as a spouse, visit our Benefits Planner page. We hope this helps. 

  4. Shirley A.

    We just received our SS benefits for February with the supposed raise. It only amounts to $59.00 for me and my husband. I thought it would be higher than that. What do they take out and is part b of medicare cost more.
    Shirley Alison

    • Tammi E.

      I did not get a raise in, my ssi check it went from 187.00 to 167.00

    • Kathy

      I start receiving social security as of February 2022. Do I get the 5.9 increase also?

  5. Thomas G.

    WHERE IS MY CHECK I HAVNT GOT IT WHY THE BANK U USE CANT BE CALLED I WANT ASEREW NOW

    • A.C.

      Hi, Thomas. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you do 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!

  6. Lian M.

    I received the notification that my Social Security benefit will increase by 5.9% in 2022. To my surprise the amount received in the January statement was the same as last year. No reflection of the increase. WHY? I have no idea why and what to do about it.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Lian. 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. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

    • Robin

      Same here.

  7. Ajoy K.

    COLA and change in earnings estimate error?
    Mine went up by 5.9% from last statement. Retired since 2013 and no earning since.
    My wife’s changed by only 2.35%. No change in total earning (credited thru’ 2020). She retired in July 21.

    Like to better understand and get estimates updated to reflect the 5.9% COLA for 2022.

    • Yolanda E.

      I also heard that the monthly payments were changing. This is going to be hard on people like myself whose rent is due by the 3rd. I have other bills coming out out account on the 3rd. I hope this not true, because a lot of people might get evicted, or lose utilities.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Yolanda. Our payment schedule has not changed. For most Social Security benefits, 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, for more information. We hope this helps.

        • Kevin C.

          This is not true. I’ve always received my check on the 3rd of every month. According to your link I will now have to wait until the 9th, and some months the dates vary, always later of course. I am furious and about to start using expletives, so I’ll stop here. Wish me luck, which apparently I’m out of!

          • A.C.

            Hi, Kevin. We are sorry to hear about your frustration. For some, we may issue your payments on the 3rd of each month. Among other reasons, we do this if:

            • You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997;
            • You also receive a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment;
            • Your Medicare premiums are paid for by the state where you live; or
            • You live in a foreign country.

            You may find the Schedule of Social Security Payments Calendar helpful. If you have additional specific questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps. 

             

      • Kevin C.

        Ann C. is misinforming you. Go to the site outlined in blue. You will see that the dates have indeed changed.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ajoy. 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. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  8. Gloria

    Why were the dates changed for receiving monthly SS benefits? I didn’t see anything about this until now. So in February, 2022, if my birthday is on the 12th, I will now get my check on 2/16 instead of 2/9?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Gloria. Our payment schedule has not changed. For most Social Security benefits, 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, for more information. We hope this helps.

  9. Veronica M.

    After receiving a “New Benefit Amount” letter, I received the Old Benefit amount in January. I am concerned there is a glitch and need it addressed ASAP.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Veronica. 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.

  10. Folonda S.

    Hello my name is Folonda Sample I’m trying to get an award letter for this month how can I get one

Comments are closed.