December 2021
Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022
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 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. If you have clients who would like to know their new benefit amount sooner, they can securely obtain their Social Security COLA notices online using the Message Center at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. They can access this information in early December prior to the mailed notice.
If your clients prefer to access their COLA notices online, they can opt out of a mailed COLA notice. They can do this with their personal my Social Security account. By updating their Preferences in the Message Center, they can opt out of any other notices that are available online. They can also receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for them. A person must have created their account by November 17, 2021 to receive the 2022 COLA notice online. Your clients can find more information about the 2022 COLA at www.ssa.gov/cola.
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. Your clients can find out more at www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2022.pdf.
You Can Help Clients Who Face Barriers to Service
During much of the pandemic, our offices have been open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. These measures have helped to protect the health and safety of our employees and the public.
Throughout, we have continued to offer many services on our website that are secure and easy to use. Additionally, our representatives continue to help people by telephone when they call our National 800 Number and local offices.
We recognize that many underserved people face barriers to service when they are unable to access or use the internet or telephones to get the help they need. Therefore, we’re asking for your help.
If you know someone who cannot use our online services at www.ssa.gov, please encourage them to call and speak to a Social Security representative. They can call their local Social Security office or our National 800 Number for assistance. If we cannot help them by phone, we can determine if an in-person appointment or other option may be available.
An Important Update to the Goldberg Kelly Payment Continuation Period
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to file a request for reconsideration within the time required to qualify to continue their benefits. The pandemic has also impacted Social Security’s ability to receive and process these requests quickly.
We are announcing a change to our procedures for requesting reconsideration following receipt of a Notice of Planned Action (NOPA), also known as a Goldberg Kelly notice. This change is effective November 1, 2021.
SSI recipients who file a reconsideration request more than 15 days after the date of a NOPA, but within 65 days of the date of the NOPA, will receive unreduced benefits unless they waive it in writing. For these cases, we will find that there is good cause for the late filing of the request for unreduced benefits.
Your clients can find more information about our revised procedures at secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/links/10292021100254AM.
Our Partnerships Help Your Clients in Need
Last year, we partnered with community and faith-based groups on a national outreach campaign to serve people who need it most. We want to continue to increase the public’s awareness of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit programs. The SSI and SSDI programs provide critical financial assistance, and, in many cases, grant access to healthcare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
We collaborated with members of the claimant advocacy community on this campaign. Their voice is reflected throughout the campaign to ensure support groups like yours have the resources you need to help people you care about.
Our outreach campaign includes:
- A partnership with community and faith-based groups: Your group can make all the difference in the lives of people in your community. You can assist with taking applications for SSI or refer people to Social Security. If you’re interested in helping people submit their claim for SSI, please contact the Social Security Regional Communications Director for your state at www.ssa.gov/agency/rcds.html to learn more information.
- Online tools and informational pages for your organization. These include:
- A national advertising campaign on TV, radio, and social media, with emphasis on benefits for children with disabilities.
Please encourage your clients to visit and subscribe to our blog at blog.ssa.gov. They can receive alerts when we publish new articles from our partners and share the latest information about our national outreach campaign.
Holiday Local Social Security Office Closings
We want you to know that our offices and phone lines will be closed to the public on December 24 and 31. However, your clients can still access and use our automated telephone services or our online services every day during the holiday season.
Please visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices for a list of our secure and convenient online services. Our Contact Social Security by Phone lists automated telephone services available to your clients.
