OLGT 2022-06: Cross Programs: 2022 Social Security COLA for TAFDC, EAEDC, and SNAP

Every year in January, the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for RSDI and SSI recipients. This COLA can affect TAFDC, EAEDC and SNAP benefits. COLA calculations for February 2022 DTA benefits are anticipated to be completed on the following schedule:

• Social Security numbers ending in 0-4 will be completed from 1/24/2022 through 1/28/2022; and

• Social Security numbers ending in 5-9 will be completed from 1/31/2022 through 2/4/2022.

  This year, the SSA COLA will increase RSDI and SSI income by 5.9 percent. This unprecedentedly large increase is expected to reduce SNAP benefits for over 180,000 households. Therefore, staff should anticipate a relatively high number of phone calls from clients with questions related to the COLA.

  When speaking with these clients, staff must explore whether they can increase their benefit level by verifying deductible expenses that are not already on record. Where possible, staff are to encourage clients to verify such expenses via telephonic signature.

  Staff must also reiterate to households with elderly and/or disabled members that they can potentially increase their benefits by verifying medical expenses, provided that the total amount is over $35 per month.