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. Charles F.

    Since my SS Payments are so small and all of it is used to apply against Part B charges, I do not get a 1099(never have). Local office is unable to determine why not. The “MY SS” online site, states that I do not receive SS Payments as well. I generally get a Statement, the first of the year stating what I am supposed to receive and giving the balance that I owe for Part B(Have not received a ststement for 2022, however). Each year I try and estimate SS Income for Tax purposes. HELP, I need a 1099.

    • A.C.

      Thank you for your comment, Charles. We are aware there are some delayed issuances of the SSA-1099 to some beneficiaries and we are actively working to release these to those beneficiaries. The delayed SSA-1099s will be released as soon as possible. If you have additional specific questions, please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. For tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website. We hope this helps.

  2. Dinah

    I don’t understand how someone who signs up and receives Disability after working less than 5 years receives more than I do — I worked and paid in made sure my employers paid in my taxes and I paid my taxes for almost 30 years. Why don’t you make an adjustment so that people like myself are able to make ends meet (my spouse works full time)?
    I do not believe it is fair the person I mentioned above receives 50% more than I do, receives Medicaid & Medicare, receives Food Stamps, has a husband who works, and is actually healthier than anyone I know! (When they want to be, that is…..they keep their house spotless, babysit, go shopping every weekend,, take many vacations, and are VERY social on the Party Scene.
    I worked for a lot of years at wages from $3.10 to $3.35 per hour. Never missed work. Would still be working if I were able.
    Please look at adjusting our benefits to be on par with those who haven’t put in the time to make this wonderful country develop and grow. Thank you for listening to me.

  3. George T.

    Why is my 2022 SS benefits less than 2021?

    • A.C.

      Hi, George. Thanks for your question. 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.

  4. Tom W.

    Each year I print my adjusted social security monthly estimate. In 2022 there is suppose to be a 5.9% COL increase but the statement still shows the same amounts that were there over a year ago. When will they actually update the amount to reflect the 5.9% increase? PS. I set up a appt call and it took 3 months to talk to someone. They said it would be adjusted but he had no idea when.

    • Carl W.

      I have the same problem no update?

      • Gary C.

        Something is happening my social securityMy social securityIsn’t giving me enough money to pay my billsAnd can you please check on itAnd thank you and God bless us all and I’m rushing to shows and that’s what this for us all?

        • A.C.

          Hi, Gary. 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.

  5. Nats

    I am trying to figure out how come everyone is getting pending deposits for their ssi that they are supposed to get in the 1st.. but a lot of people who use bank accounts are not seeing any pending deposits? There is a lot of people who use regular bank accounts that normally have a pending deposit… by now and don’t!!
    Is there a problem with y’all depositing to regular bank accounts? Or did you all send them out later than normal? What is going on?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Nats. 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. For questions regarding when your payment posts with your financial institution, you will need to contact your bank or financial institution directly. We hope this helps.

       

  6. Lucinda M.

    I am not understanding this new check schedule for 2022 starting in April. Will I still receive my regular SS check on the 3rd of April and the COLA on the 4th Wednesday, or am I receiving both on the 4th Wednesday, if so this doesn’t work for me.

    • Patricia W.

      I have the same question

    • Rebecca L.

      From what I understand, it’s NOT a NEW scheduled payment. It’s ONLY going to be a ONE TIME THING! One extra payment for people who are on SSI, will receive an additional check. So, if you receive $550 per month, you’ll receive 2 checks for $550 in the month of April, ONLY!

      • Jay

        Do SSDI people get a one time check too?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Lucinda. Our payment schedule has not changed. For most Social Security benefits, payment dates are based on your birthdate. We issue 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. You may also find our 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. Thanks! 

      • Lisa

        Adam, I was wondering who to contact because the cola increase has made it so much worse for us! We are actually losing $300 a month because they are taking $340 out between me and my husband for part B. So basically, I want to just give this back because this has not only hurt me and my family, it has taken a lot of people that need Medicaid and or food stamps, etc., it has kicked them totally off of these programs which are desperately needed

        • A.C.

          Hi, Lisa. We are sorry to hear that. 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.

  7. Otis M.

    My spouse and I both began receiving SS at the same time. My understanding is that my check should be at least 1/2 of my spouses check. It has never been that much. I suggested to the SS representative that I wanted to wait until I reached 70, but she insisted that it would take many years to make up for the lost income. So, to my huge detriment I agreed to sign up.

  8. Steven S.

    I presently get social security benefits and have received the 5.9% COLA in 2022. I was just reading an article on yahoo.com that the current inflation rate is now 7.9%. Does that mean that I will get an increase again or not which is the difference of 2.0% adjustment for cola?

  9. Gayland L.

    I need a copy of my award letter, how do I get it sent to me.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Gayland. It sounds like you are referring to a benefit verification letter. 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.

  10. Rod A.

    I will begin receiving SS retirement payment in July 2022. The increase for next year based on COLA 2022 it will be for the annual percentage or prorated? Thank you.

Comments are closed.