SSA Updates Key Numbers for 2022

The Social Security Administration reviews key numbers each year and usually makes adjustments. In a recent release, the SSA announced what is and is not changing for 2022.

**Here are the key changes: **

• The maximum taxable earnings for the Social Security portion rises from $142,800 to $147,000. (There is no limit on the Medicare portion.)- Exempt amounts under the earnings test rise from $18,960/year to $19,560/year. For those under normal retirement age, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above the limit.- The maximum benefit rises from $3,148/month to $3,345/month.- Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will receive a 5.9% COLA for 2022.Not changing are:

• The tax rates, which remain at 7.65% for employees and 15.30% for the self-employed.- The additional 0.9% in Medicare taxes for those earning at least $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly).This is just a summary. Further details, including disability threshold changes, are available on the SSA site.