Social Security COLA 2022: How Much More Couples, Widows and Disabled Workers Will Earn
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Daria Uhlig
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Social Security recipients will be getting their biggest payment increase in 40 years in 2022 thanks to a 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment, pushing the average monthly benefit up to $1,657 for retired workers.
The COLA is just one of numerous changes to Social Security in 2022. Others include increases in Supplemental Security Income payments, Social Security Disability Income payments and Medicare Part B premiums. All of the increases are in response to spiraling inflation that grew at 6% or more for much of 2021.
The COLA increase has gotten the lion’s share of attention — not only because it is the biggest hike since 1982, but also because it still might not be enough to offset rising prices on everything from gas and groceries to health care and medicine.
A lot depends on how effectively the Federal Reserve can tame inflation with expected interest rate hikes in 2022. Nobody can predict that impact with certainty, but you can plan your budget based on your expected increase in Social Security income.
Here is how Social Security payments will differ in 2022 for various Social Security recipients, according to the AARP:
- Couples that both receive benefits: Average monthly payment will rise to $2,753 from $2,599 before the COLA
- Widowed parent with two children: Average monthly payment will rise to $3,187 from $3,009
- Widow(er) living alone: Average monthly payment will rise to $1,553 from $1,467
- All disabled workers: Average monthly payment will rise to $1,358 from $1,282
- Disabled worker with a spouse and one or more children: Average monthly payment will rise to $2,383 from $2,250
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