This May, all CalPERS retirees who retired in 2020 or earlier will receive an increase to their cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This is a result of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (1967 = 100) that is 4.70% for 2021.
The chart below shows the percentage of COLA increase that retirees will receive based on their employer-contracted COLA provision percentage and their retirement year. Most state and all school agencies contract for a 2% COLA provision, while public agencies may contract for a 3%, 4%, or 5% COLA provision.
| COLA Provision | Year of Retirement | % COLA Increase Effective May 1, 2022 |
| 2% COLA Provision | 2003 & Earlier | 2% |
| 2004 | 2.19% | |
| 2005 | 3.59% | |
| 2006-2014 | 4.70% | |
| 2015 | 3.13% | |
| 2016 | 2.39% | |
| 2017 | 2.52% | |
| 2018 | 2.96% | |
| 2019 | 2.77% | |
| 2020 | 2% | |
| 2021 | Not Eligible | |
| 3% COLA Provision | 1979 & Earlier | 3% |
| 1980-2019 | 4.70% | |
| 2020 | 3% | |
| 2021 | Not Eligible | |
| 4% COLA Provision | 2019 & Earlier | 4.70% |
| 2020 | 4% | |
| 2021 | Not Eligible | |
| 5% COLA Provision | 2020 & Earlier | 4.70% |
| 2021 | Not Eligible |
For More Information
For more details about how your COLA is calculated and frequently asked questions, go to Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) on our website. You can also call us toll free at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) if you have questions.
Did You Know?
The COLA is a benefit that ensures your value of money at retirement keeps up with the rate of inflation. For a one-minute overview, watch our CalPERS Quick Tip: Cost-of-Living Adjustment video.