I turn 62 on Dec 20 2022. I applied for Social Security early Oct 2022 and received my award letter which matches my estimate from Social Security website. Award letter states my first check is Feb 15 2023. I called the National 800 number and the Social Security representative told me I would not be getting the COLA 8.5% increase since I did not have any benefits payable in December 2022. Is this correct???

Hi. No. The upcoming 8.7% cost of living (COLA) increase will be added to your Social Security retirement benefit rate. Everyone born prior to January 2 1961 will have the January 2023 Social Security cost of living (COLA) increase added to their Social Security retirement benefit rate regardless of when they start drawing benefits.

Best, Jerry