Why isn't my Social Security FRA benefit amount updating with recent earnings and COLA increases?

The mySocialSecurity benefit estimates aren't always updated in real-time. Your actual benefit will almost certainly be higher than what you're seeing. The SSA typically updates earnings records once a year after employers submit W-2s, usually around September. Also, the online calculator doesn't always incorporate the most recent COLA adjustments until they're officially applied. When you apply, the SSA will calculate your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) using your highest 35 years of earnings indexed for inflation, plus all applicable COLA increases. The 8.7% COLA from 2023 and 3.2% from 2024 alone should make a noticeable difference.

I had the EXACT same issue!!! I checked mine for THREE YEARS and it showed the same amount ($2,135) even though I was working full time and making more each year. When I finally applied last year, my actual benefit came out almost $375 higher than what the website showed!!! The SSA rep told me their website estimates are often NOT updated with recent earnings or COLA increases. It's RIDICULOUS they can't keep this stuff current!!! How are we supposed to plan for retirement with WRONG information????

This is a known issue with the mySocialSecurity portal. The benefit estimator often doesn't incorporate your most recent 1-2 years of earnings because they haven't been processed into the system yet. Additionally, COLA adjustments aren't always reflected in future benefit estimates until they're actually applied to current beneficiaries. When you apply, make sure to verify that all your earnings history is correct, especially the last few years. The SSA will then calculate your benefit based on your highest 35 years of earnings (adjusted for inflation) plus all applicable COLA increases since you turned 62. If you want a more accurate estimate now, you can call SSA directly and ask them to calculate your current estimated benefit with recent earnings and COLA adjustments included. Make sure to have your recent W-2s or tax returns handy.

The same thing happened with my husband. His estimate stayed at $2,230 for years, then when he actually filed it ended up being $2,675! Nearly $450 more each month! I think they just don't update those online estimates very often.

dont worry bout it mine was wrong too lol. the computer dont update right but they fix it when u apply

The estimate shown on mySocialSecurity is based on several assumptions that may not reflect your current situation: 1. It often uses earnings data that's 1-2 years old 2. It may not incorporate recent COLA adjustments (8.7% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024) 3. It assumes steady earnings until your retirement age When you file for benefits, the SSA will calculate your actual Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) using your complete earnings history and all applicable COLA adjustments. It's quite common for the actual benefit to be higher than the online estimate, especially if you've continued working and there have been significant COLA increases. Make your appointment for April as planned, but be prepared with questions about how your benefit was calculated if the amount seems different from what you expected.

i think they only update ss.gov once a year? my page didnt update for like 18 months then suddenly jumped up last fall

DONT TRUST THE WEBSITE!!! When I retired last year my ACTUAL benefit was $310 more than what SS.gov showed for THREE YEARS!!! The website is USELESS for planning!!

When you make your appointment in April, bring your most recent W-2s or tax returns for the past 3 years. This will help ensure all your recent earnings are properly credited. In the meantime, you can get a rough idea of your benefit by taking the current estimate and adding the COLA increases: - 2023 COLA: 8.7% - 2024 COLA: 3.2% - 2025 COLA: Not yet announced So if your current estimate is $2,650, it might be closer to $2,960 after accounting for recent COLAs and earnings (depending on your specific situation). I recommend applying 3 months before you want benefits to begin, so your April timeline sounds perfect for a July start date.