Retirement Benefits

2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustment Coming in May

Smiling retired senior male using smart phone while sitting with dog in room at home

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.