Social Security recipients will receive a near 6% increase in benefits in 2022. It’s the largest “raise” in 30 years.

Of course, there’s a downside: The increase is due to the highest inflation this country has seen in decades. The cost of many everyday items is on the rise and consumers are feeling it. But let’s focus on the cost-of-living adjustment or COLA that millions of Americans will receive.

The COLA amounts to an added $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates from the Social Security Administration. That’s a sudden break from a long lull in inflation that saw cost-of-living adjustments averaging just 1.65% a year over the past 10 years.

With the increase, the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $1,657 a month next year. A typical couple’s benefits would rise by $154 to $2,753 per month.

About half of seniors rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their income, and one-quarter rely on their monthly payment for all or nearly all their income. The program works by using taxes paid into a fund by working people to provide benefits to those eligible.

It is referred to as an “entitlement program” but working people help themselves at retirement by having paid into it, while others who are unable to work due to sickness, disability, maternity or employment injury are able to receive benefits.

For the working class, the more you pay into it, the more benefit you can receive (up to a limit).

It should be that way.