Social Security benefits going up in 2015

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Social Security checks will rise by 1.7% -- which translates into $22 more each month for the average retired worker.

In 2015, the average worker will receive $1,328 a month, or $15,936 a year, according to the Social Security Administration.

Next year's annual cost of living increase is up from 1.5% this year, but still less than 2012's increase of 3.6%. Seniors received no increases to their benefits for two years prior as prices fell due to the recession.

2015's modest increase is tied to Wednesday's release of the government's main inflation measure, the Consumer Price Index, which showed that prices were up 1.7% during the 12 months ended in September.

But seniors still face sharper increases for utility and grocery bills, among other essentials. Many retirees are already struggling to get by, with the majority relying on Social Security as their main source of income.

Nearly 10% of people 65 and older live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, while women and minorities are far more likely to struggle.