Social Security payment estimate increased by $100 when I'm 62 - haven't worked in 3 years, no COLA?

prob just a system glitch. my son saw his estimate jump $230 then go back down the next month lol

There are a few reasons this might have happened: 1. The SSA recently updated their calculation formula for 2025 estimates 2. They may have corrected an error in your earnings record from a previous year 3. Your highest 35 years of earnings might have shifted - remember that even though you're not working, earlier low-earning years might be dropping out of your calculation as the 35-year window shifts 4. The inflation adjustments they use for future benefit projections could have been updated It's actually fairly common to see estimate changes even without new earnings. If you're concerned, you can request an earnings statement verification to make sure your record is correct.

The SAME EXACT THING happened to me last month!!! My estimate went up by $175 and I haven't worked since 2022!!! Called SSA and sat on hold for 2 HOURS only to get disconnected right when someone picked up. I'm still trying to figure it out because I want to make sure they're not making some mistake that will cause problems when I actually file!!!!

Your benefit estimate is likely changing because of the national average wage indexing factors that SSA updates annually. Even though you're not working, your past earnings are being indexed differently as these factors change. Also, if you're viewing the estimate in your my Social Security account, they've improved their calculation methodology recently to provide more accurate estimates. The indexing factor essentially adjusts your past earnings to account for changes in wage levels throughout the economy over time. This is different from COLA, which only applies once you're receiving benefits. If the change seems significant, it wouldn't hurt to check your earnings record to make sure all your past work is correctly recorded.

My estimate changed a bunch of times before I actually claimed benefits. I think its just them updating their computer systems. When I finally applied last year, the actual amount was different from all the estimates anyway, so I wouldn't worry too much. As long as your work history is correct in their system, thats what matters most.

so did u ever work under the table at all? sometimes they find income u didn't report and that can change things

i had something like this happen but then realized it was cuz they were showing me different ages!! my estimate at 62 vs 64 vs full retirement age were all different numbers! double check which age its showing you the estimate for

I wanted to add that the Social Security Administration also periodically updates their actuarial assumptions and projection methodologies. This can affect how they calculate future benefits even if your earnings record hasn't changed. For 2025, they've made some technical adjustments to how they project future benefits based on current data. This is separate from COLA and affects estimates, not current payments. If you want complete certainty, you can request a detailed earnings statement by filing Form SSA-7004 (Request for Social Security Statement) or by creating/logging into your my Social Security account online to verify all your earnings are correctly recorded.