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Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Is There Any Reason For My DWB Benefit Not Increasing By The Full 5.9% COLA?
A 5.9 cola has been applied to my SSDI but not to my DWB benefits. My DWB benefit increased only $30 per month (which is 3.25 percent increase). Is there a reason for this?
Hi. I don't know of any reason why the 5.9% increase wouldn't apply to both of your benefits. Disabled widow's benefits (DWB) are reduced for age, but your gross amount should still go up by roughly 5.9% once the cost of living (COLA) increase is applied.
The base monthly Part B Medicare premium rate is increasing by $21.60 in 2022, but that wouldn't affect the increase your gross benefit rate. Still, though, if you have Part B premiums deducted from your benefits then your net benefit increase will amount to somewhat less than 5.9%. In any case, though, if you don't think that your benefit rate is correct you should probably call Social Security to try to get an explanation.
Best, Jerry
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November 18, 2021