Social Security benefits will increase 5.9 percent in 2022, the Social Security Administration said on Wednesday, the biggest boost in 40 years as prices for food, cars and rent continue to surge.
The increase, known as a cost of living adjustment, is the largest since 1982 and will affect nearly 70 million recipients, according to data from the Social Security Administration. It comes as consumer prices in the United States have seen their sharpest increase in years. The adjustment is tied to the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index, which rose 5.4 percent in September from a year earlier.
Inflation has accelerated this year as the global economy recovers from pandemic-driven lockdowns. Early on, the price gains were driven by rebounding airfares, rates and other items that had seen a collapse in demand in 2020. More recently, shortages of products or challenges transporting them to consumers have added to the gains.
Consumer Price Index data released on Wednesday showed that prices jumped more than expected last month. The price gains came as housing prices firmed, and as food — especially meat and eggs — cost consumers more.
The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will also increase to $147,000 from $142,800, the administration said.
Jo Ann Jenkins, chief executive officer of AARP, said the increase was necessary for families and beneficiaries to keep up with rising costs.
“The guaranteed benefits provided by Social Security and the COLA increase are more crucial than ever as millions of Americans continue to face the health and economic impacts of the pandemic,” Ms. Jenkins said in a statement released after the announcement.
Among the beneficiaries, 37 percent of men and 42 percent of women receive at least half of their income from Social Security, according to an administration fact sheet. Nearly nine out of 10 people age 65 and older were receiving a benefit as of the end of last year.
Older Americans, people with disabilities and children and spouses of recipients who are deceased are eligible for the benefits.
