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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Deborah K.
My office at my rental is saying that the SSA is deciding how much my rent went up for the year of 2021…is this true? My rent went up 140 dollars a month and the sec is saying that the SSA decided this…this just doesn’t sound right!!!
A.C.
Hi, Deborah. Thanks for visiting our blog. The Social Security Administration does not make decisions regarding rental increases or costs. It sounds like your rental costs are based on your income. You should contact your rental company to discuss this matter. We hope this helps.
Jeneen H.
Are they issuing folk’s on ssi and ssdi stimulus payment’s or is the website fibbing? Also how does a person getting ssdi apply ssi as well? Does social security administration have any financial programs for folks who are disable and homeless?
A.C.
Hi, Jeneen. Thanks for your questions. First, please visit the IRS website for all your Economic Income Payment-related questions. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835.
Second, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. To be eligible for SSI, a person must have $2,000 or less in countable resources. For more informationand how to apply, visit our Supplemenal Security Income page. If you have additonal 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.
Finally, 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.
Zachary D.
Please email us regarding my son SSI and return to work.
A.C.
Hi, Zachary. 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.
Karen
Does children under 18 with disabilities get the cola check
A.C.
Hi, Karen. Thanks for your question. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) began with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries began on December 30, 2021. Visit the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information page for more details. For additional specific questions, please call 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.
John
I was told all of us would get a 5.9 increase this year, why haven’t I received it yet. Does it take awhile?
A.C.
Hi, John. 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.
Johnson D.
I have started receiving SS benefits but the money is not enough and I cannot apply for supplemental because I just turn 63. I want to do a partime job to subsidize for my other bills. How much is allowable to work per week or per year without affecting my benefits. Thanks
A.C.
Hi, Johnson. Since you are under your full retirement age, the earnings limit in 2022 is $19,560. In the year you reach full retirement age, we deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, but we only count earnings before the month you reach your full retirement age. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. If you receive benefits, under full retirement age, and you think your earnings will be different than what you originally told us, you should let us know right away. Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or you can contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Tiffany L.
I need to update my information but I have tried to call and I can’t get through
A.C.
Hi, Tiffany. Thank you for visiting our blog. We are currently having problems with our phone lines. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls, and long wait times. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience. In the meantime, you may be able to make the changes you need by visiting our online services. We hope this helps.
Tina
I have heard that there will be an extra check for COLA in February 2022 for SSI/SSDI.Is this true
Tammy B.
I just heard the same thing! I’ve searched and can’t find anything about it on the website.
Tawanna D.
Did anyone find out about the cola payment for ssi benefit clients??
Priscilla C.
I am wanting to know why my social security deposit went down $70 a month since January.
A.C.
Hi, Priscilla. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Santos N.
didn’t received my social security card my mail can you guys send it again please
A.C.
Hi, Santos. 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.
Stephan U.
Are senior citizens on SSI in all Social Security matters getting extra money in March in waves
Kathleen A.
You’s People In S.S. Office! Say That We The People Would Get The Raze’s In January. And You’s Say! That We Would Get It! In February. And! Now? You’s? Say Again! That We Will Get It! This Month In March? Were Is It?? Alot Of People ? Are Still Waiting For That Increase?? What Is Taken You’s People To Get It Into Bank’s? And Mailing Them Out In The Mail System. All Of Us People! Are Waiting For More Into Our Check’s.
Joe D.
Kathleen? A!?
You! Need! To! Lay! Off! The! Capital! Letters! And! Question? Marks!
Kathleen
Mark? I Don’t Like You Mouthing Off To People! You Don’t Know. That Isn’t Doing Business With People! You Don’t Know.
Brenda S.
Didn’t receive an award letter, how to get one ? Received the increase, just need the letter.
A.C.
Hi, Brenda. 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.
A.C.
Hi, Brenda. 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.
gerald e.
I would would like to know if I could have my awards letter sent to me.
A.C.
Hi, Gerald. It sounds like you are referring to a benefit verification. 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.
Rosemary S.
Did not receive my Award Letter.Need one immediately but can not get my ID.me. Due to picture of drivers license on cell phone get by the ID.ME authority. They say something went
wrong UT won’t tell me what was wrong. Can you please help me?
A.C.
Hi, Rosemary. We are sorry to hear that. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. Our automated services are available 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099.
For ID.me registration and/or authentication process, you should contact ID.me through their customer support page on https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/categories/360005564453-Verifying-for-the-Social-Security-Administration. The page also allows you to submit their requests for any inquiries https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/requests/new. We hope this helps.