When changes like the 2022 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment occur, many people have questions about what to expect. Here are the answers to some of the common inquiries we receive as Oviedo Social Security Disability lawyers.

There are approximately 70 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and each of these recipients will see a 5.9% increase in their monthly payments in 2022. If you have questions about your payments or this cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), it’s best to go to a knowledgeable source, such as the Social Security Administration or your local Oviedo Social Security Disability lawyer.

What Is A COLA?

It is undeniable that the prices of goods and services are increasing. If you rely on your Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income to support yourself and your family and are unable to work to earn additional income, then it would be difficult to maintain the same standard of living that you have if your benefits were fixed. Because of this, the Social Security Administration examines increases in the Consumer Price Index and bases the COLA on those increases. The Consumer Price Index is calculated each month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

How Will I Receive My COLA Notice?

The Social Security Administration has announced that COLA notices will be sent to recipients via the mail, and they should reach your mailbox some time in the month of December, 2021. These notices will be sent to:

• Retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries 
• SSI recipients
• Representative payees

If you do not want to wait for your notice to arrive in the mail, you can also access the information through your online account with the Social Security Administration.

Are COLA Usually This Large?

As an Oviedo Social Security Disability lawyer, we often hear questions asked about current and future Social Security benefit payments. This is the largest COLA since January of 2009, when Social Security and SSI benefits were increased by 5.8%. While there are some years that see larger COLA, there are also many years when no adjustments are made.

Avoid Social Security Scams

Any time there are changes made to Social Security and SSI payments, there is an increase in scammers who attempt to take advantage of recipients. Phishing scams are attempts by cybercriminals to obtain your personal information. Avoid phishing scams by practicing these safety tips:

• Check the sender address of an email very carefully to ensure that it is from a legitimate sender.
• Look for spelling and grammar errors, poor phrasing, and other unusual wording.
• No official agency or organization will ask you for personal information in an email. Do not respond to any emails asking you for your social security number, banking information, and other sensitive information.

It is also good to remember that no reputable organizations will attempt to collect payments from you by wire transfer or gift cards.

Do You Need An Oviedo Social Security Disability Lawyer?

If you have been denied benefits, need to apply for benefits, or are looking for legal representation for your Social Security Disability or SSI case, contact us today. We are looking forward to hearing from you!