COLA, SSI

An Increase in Social Security Benefits in 2017

October 18, 2016 • By

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Last Updated: March 17, 2021

cola2017The 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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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

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Comments

  1. Kathleen r.

    When will I receive an increse in social security?

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question Kathleen. Generally, if you continue to work while receiving retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount could increase. Each year, we review the records for all working Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase monthly benefits. The other way your monthly benefit amount could increase is based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is announced each year in October.

  2. Bianca

    Yes, there was an increase given to everyone receiving social security. The problem is that they took it back by increasing the Medicare premiums. After all is said and done you will receive the exact amount that you received last year. These politicians are such hypocrites, they should be ashamed of themselves. Why take from the least among us, those who are disabled and seniors. Shamefull!!!!

  3. Linda B.

    Is there a COLA that is to start in 2018?

  4. LeeAnn L.

    Hi!! My husband received his increase in Soc. Security benefits starting in l/18. I did not receive an increase, please alert me as to why??
    Thanks,

  5. Rose M.

    I did not receive an increase in January. Also need W2 for 2016.

  6. Lori A.

    I never got my raise. Omg. Help When should this raise happen.

  7. Virginia N.

    Why am I not getting a raise in my social security this is the second year this has happened, and I would like to know why

    • Ray F.

      Hello Virginia. 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.

  8. Virginia N.

    This is the second year I did not get any kind of a raise in my social security. I would like to know why I’m not getting a raise when everyone else is.

  9. maynard r.

    Why did my wife and I receive 12 dollars less a month after our supposed increase. Please don’t give us another raise I cannot afford it. Please comment

    • 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!

  10. Roland S.

    when will we get our 2018 SS annual statements showing any increase ? my wife’s check last week was the same amount as last year.

Comments are closed.