Amounts that Increase with Average Wages

By "wage-indexed amounts," we mean amounts that increase annually with the the national Average Wage Index. A table of automatic increases lists both cost-of-living adjustments and wage-indexed amounts for recent years. Types of wage-indexed amounts are listed below.

• OASDI contribution and benefit base (taxable maximum)
• Exempt amounts under the retirement earnings test
• Formula for computing the primary insurance amount (the basis for benefits)
• Formula for computing maximum family benefits
• Amount of earnings needed to earn a quarter of coverage (or credit). Quarters of coverage are needed to become insured.
• "Old-law" contribution and benefit base—used to determine earnings needed for a "year of coverage"
• Coverage thresholds for domestic and election workers
• Substantial gainful activity amounts for disabled beneficiaries
• Amount of monthly earnings affecting a trial work period for disabled beneficiaries