Automatic Determinations

Cost-of-Living Adjustment

COLA History

COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits

Calculation of retirement benefits

Social Security benefit data by…
    benefit type or
    family type

New beneficiaries coming onto Social Security's rolls tend to have, on average, higher benefits than those leaving, so average benefits normally rise from month to month. This gradual rise in average benefits is altered by abrupt increases due to annual cost-of-living adjustments or COLAs. The COLA for December 2022 is 8.7 percent and is first payable in January 2023.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for certain beneficiary types, at the end of December 2022.

Estimated effect of 8.7-percent COLA on average benefits
at the end of December 2022
Type of benefit Before
8.7% COLA
After
8.7% COLA
Increase
Retired worker $1,680 $1,827 $147
Spouse of retired worker 832 904 72
Aged widow(er) 1,570 1,706 136
Disabled widow(er) 821 892 71
Disabled worker 1,364 1,483 119
Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through August 2022.


The table below provides estimated average benefits for selected family types.

Estimated effect of 8.7-percent COLA on average family benefits
at the end of December 2022
Type of family Before
8.7% COLA
After
8.7% COLA
Increase
Disabled worker, spouse, and children $2,407 $2,616 $209
Retired worker and aged spouse 2,733 2,971 238
Surviving child(ren) onlya 1,284 1,396 112
Aged widow(er) alone 1,567 1,704 137
Widowed mother and 2 children 3,249 3,532 283
a Family with one or more children excludes surviving parent or guardian who is ineligible to receive benefits.
Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through August 2022.