An Increase in Social Security Benefits in 2017
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: March 17, 2021
The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) usually means an increase in the benefit amount people receive each month. By law, the monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate increases when there is a rise in the cost of living. The government measures changes in the cost of living through the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).
The CPI-W rose this year. When inflation increases, your cost of living also goes up. Prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive. Since the CPI-W did rise, the law increases benefits to help offset inflation. As a result, monthly Social Security and SSI benefits for over 65 million Americans will increase 0.3 percent in 2017.
Other changes that would normally take effect based on changes in the national average wage index will begin in January 2017. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase to $127,200.
Information about Medicare changes for 2017, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
You can find more information about the 2017 COLA at www.socialsecurity.gov/cola. For changes in the national average wage index, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/COLA/AWI.html.
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Tags: Cost of living adjustment, Medicare, SSI
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Elaine H.
Nice Headline but NOT ACCURATE.
My SS will be less in 2018. When I called SS to find out why I was informed it would be an hour delay. Then I went online and the “chat” person couldn’t provide an answer so she transferred me to a Lawyer where I’d have to PAY TO GET AN ANSWER – obviously I didn’t continue. And, if you’re thinking this is an “entitlement” it isn’t. You people took money out of my paycheck to many many years.
Ray F.
We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Elaine. We ask for your patience during busy periods since you may experience higher than usual rate of busy signals and longer hold times to speak to us.
Please keep in mind that most of the services we provide, are free of charge. We will not refer you or transfer you to a private “paid for services” business line.
Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
We hope you try again. Thanks!
Toni H.
I’m Thankful that we on Social Security aren’t forgotten, as well as given a cost of living increase, however I NEVER get to see my increase, I NEVER get to benefit from an increase because EVERY TIME we’re given a cost of living increase my rent is raised the amount of the increase !
How are they able to do that to us ? !
Is it legal ?
Who can I contact to report this ?
Who can I contact to help STOP this from happening ?
William R.
I did not receive an increase in my social security for 2017. The cost of living went up but my check did not!
I’m 78 yrs old and I’m a veteran. Can you tell me why I did not receive an increase.
Ray F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
Carolyn M.
The amount indicated after the 2018 increase is the same amount of my 2017 check. Please advise why there is not an increase in the new amount.
Douglas J.
$134.00 will be deducted each month from my S.S allotment. This is very high. I paid $58.00 per month when I was working. Medicare was an extra payment on every pay check. Medicaid has no cost for individuals who never contributed any monies. Disgraceful.—
Dean E.
I am on disability and was told my medicare cost would be vested at 110.00 and the increase would not affect me. I got a letter saying we got a 2% increase for cost of living. They raised my medicare cost to 134.00 why was it raised up if I was supposed to be vested?
Thanks,
Dean Eshelman
Ray F.
Hi Dean. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for further assistance.
Also, see “Medicare 2017 & 2018 costs at a glance” for more information. Thanks!
Nancy A.
Just got my new benefit amount notice and there was NO increase! Same as last year! Why is that?
Ray F.
Hi Nancy. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
jd
It will be .02% for 2018.
barbara
My husband and I barely cover our monthly bills, leaving a small amount for food, necessities like our meds and gas for our vehicle. So when we got the raise we were happy only to discover that the government giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other. If our rent goes up again next year, we will be homeless like so many when things like this happen.
David
Been on S.S. and medicare for 3 yrs. Used a medicare supplement for 3yrs. This year I changed to an Advantage Plan, because of the increase in preuim for my supplement. S.S. was taking out a $109.00 now they are taking $134.00. Why? Is it because I changed to a Advantage Plan or what. Is there a law against changing my deduction.
Ray F.
Hi David. The Medicare program, is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Please visit their website at http://www.medicare.gov. for more information about Medicare Part B-premiums costs. Thanks!