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

Comments

  1. Anthony J.

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  3. GeorgiAnn B.

    I care for my ex-husband who has dementia. My doctor told me I should be getting paid for this care. Who do I contact about this.

    • Peter

      Is he a Veteran?

    • Vonda

      Thanks for your question, GeorgiAnn. We do not pay caregivers. However, 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. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this helps.

  4. Andrea R.

    If I start collecting in September 2022, will my benefit include the 5.9% COLA? Or will 8 I have to wait until after 12/22 to start receiving COLAS? Thanks for your help.

    • james

      cola dont start to jan 2022

    • Vonda

      Hi Andrea, thanks for using our blog. If you are an insured worker, you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 62. Regardless of when you choose to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount will include all cost-of-living increases starting with December of the year you attain age 62. Check out our Social Security Benefit Amounts web page for more details. We hope this is helpful.

  5. Pavan

    Remarkable things here. I’m very happy to look your article. Thanks a lot.

  6. Bradley S.

    Six months ago my SS check was reduced 20%. I have no clue why. Can I get the 20% back and the 5.9% increase . I need this resolved. Please help.

    • Sammy

      Yeah 20 percent should do it all years to come

    • Vonda

      For your security, Bradley, 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 for assistance or you can contact 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.  Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  7. John J.

    I just got my SSA email notice to view my new benefit amount. Went I went to the SSA website and logged in, it showed that I will be getting 1.3% cost-of-living increase, not the 5.9% increase that has announced in media. Is this an error?

    • mike

      That was last years increase it will be 5.9 % on your 2022 benefits.

    • Vonda

      Hi John, thanks for reading our blog and for your question. We will notify you by mail starting in early December about your new benefit amount. Most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal my Social Security account. You may create or access your my Social Security account online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. We hope this helps!

  8. Dawn L.

    will there be an increase in both my retirement income and my ssi income?

    • mike

      No just ssi your retirement from private company will not be affected.

    • Vonda

      Hi Dawn, thanks for using our blog. All monthly Social Security (retirement, disability and survivors) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022.

      The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022.  Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021. 

      For more details about the new COLA, visit our Cost-of-Living Adjustment information page.

  9. Frank W.

    My full benefits due month is January 2022. Will I receive the 5.9% COLA? Or would I need to take my benefits 1 month earlier in December to qualify for the 5.9% COLA due for 2022?

    • Vonda

      Hi Frank, thanks for using our blog. If you are an insured worker, you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 62. Regardless of when you choose to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount will include all cost-of-living increases starting with December of the year you attain age 62. Check out our Social Security Benefit Amounts web page for more details. We hope this is helpful.

  10. Kimberly K.

    Does the cost of living increase also include people who receive widows benefits?

    • Vonda

      Hi Kimberly, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. All monthly Social Security (retirement, disability and survivors) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022.

      The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022.  Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021. 

      For more details about the new COLA, visit our Cost-of-Living Adjustment information page.

    • Carolyn w.

      Will I be getting this increase monthly?

      • Vonda

        Hi Carolyn, thanks for using our blog. All monthly Social Security (retirement, disability and survivors) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022.

        The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022.  Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021. 

        For more details about the new COLA, visit our Cost-of-Living Adjustment information page.

        • John J.

          I just got my SSA email notice to view my new benefit amount. Went I went to the SSA website and logged in, it showed that I will be getting 1.3% cost-of-living increase, not the 5.9% increase that has announced in media. Is this an error?

          • Barbara N.

            I started collecting Feb 2021 I received a letter stating g SS office made an error and I should of received 13.00more each month. Nothing was mentioned about the cost of living increase and when I logged in thei web site still has the old amount which was not correct

          • Vonda

            For your security, Barbara, 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 for assistance or you can contact 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.  Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

Comments are closed.