The Social Security Administration announced a 5.9 percent boost to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2022. The increase is based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index over the past 12 months ending in September 2021.

For those still contributing to Social Security through wages, the potential maximum income subject to Social Security tax to $147,000 (up from $142,800 in 2021).

What does it mean for you?

Up to $147,000 in wages will be subject to Social Security taxes, up $4,200 from 2021. This amounts to $9,114 ($8,853.60 in 2021) in maximum annual employee Social Security payments. Any excess amounts paid due to having multiple employers can be returned to you via a credit on your tax return.

For all retired workers receiving Social Security retirement benefits the estimated average monthly benefit will be $1,657 per month in 2022 – an average increase of $92 per month.

SSI is the standard payment for people in need. To qualify for this payment you must have little income and few resources ($2,000 if single/$3,000 if married).

A full-time student who is blind or disabled can still receive SSI benefits as long as earned income does not exceed the monthly ($2,040) and annual ($8,230) student exclusion amounts.

Social Security & Medicare Rates

The Social Security and Medicare tax rates do not change from 2021 to 2022.

Note: The above tax rates are a combination of 6.20 percent Social Security and 1.45 percent for Medicare. There is also a 0.9 percent Medicare wages surtax for those with wages above $200,000 single ($250,000 joint filers) that is not reflected in these figures. Please note that your employer also pays Social Security and Medicare taxes on your behalf. These figures are reflected in the self-employed tax rates, as self-employed individuals pay both halves of the tax.