Social Security Benefits Increase in 2019
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Each year we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Usually, there is an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. Law requires that federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
The CPI-W rises when prices increase for the things the average consumer buys. This means that when prices for goods and services we purchase become more expensive, on average, the COLA increases benefits and helps beneficiaries keep up with the changing cost of living.
More than 67 million Americans will see a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security and SSI benefits in 2019.
This month marks other changes based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax will increase to $132,900 in 2019. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also increase.
Want to know your new benefit amount? In December 2018, we posted Social Security COLA notices online for retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries who have a my Social Security account. You can view and save these COLA notices securely via the Message Center inside my Social Security.
Next year, be the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications so you won’t miss your electronic COLA notice!
This year, even if you accessed your COLA notice online, you still received your COLA notice by mail. In the future, you will be able to choose whether you receive your notice online instead of on paper. Online notices will not be available to representative payees, individuals with foreign mailing addresses, or those who pay higher Medicare premiums due to their income. We plan to expand the availability of COLA notices to additional online customers in the future.
Check our website for more information about the 2019 COLA. You can also read our publication Cost-of-Living Adjustment.
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Tags: Cost of living adjustment
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Alice M.
I receive Social Security Retirement Benefits. I did not get a letter stating my benefits for 2019. How can I get a copy of my 2019 benefits notice. 2018 notice was sent on form SSA-4926-SM (1-2018).
Ann C.
Hi, Alice. Good news! If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Blog community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps.
Patricia C.
My social security benefits have decreased by $135 this year-2019. I would like to know why. I have read that they should be increased.
Ann C.
Hi, Patricia. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Harry H.
Yes I’ve applied for SSI over 170 some days and supposed to be waiting on a determination about my medical. Twice I’ve taken my medical to SS office and Dr. Saying these injuries are real and he needs the assistance from my government which also provides food assistance first time in my life.. why is this taking so long when I’ve done all the hunting and pretty much gathered all information needed? My injuries have worsened I’m in need of medical assistance.. I’ve done so much for America with my Roofing ability and making Americans feel comfortable in there homes with my repairs for them.. I need help please my foot has swollen daily lower back and kneck trauma along with torn tenden torn in my shoulder.. even before this wall started going up they have achieved more on a wall then what’s been done on me nothing I must say!! Im a American definitely not a military brat so they call it.. but my Father a retired Cheif and done more for America imagined as I never saw him because he did more time to achieve his rank. I’m disappointed in America and this wait on a determination my injuries thst are worse since Feb 18 2018 . Unacceptable I had to threaten Human Resources with taking to court cause they said was waiting on SS office.I’d be dead by now from starvation.. when America send more food across oceans faster!
Benjamin A.
My birthday was August 25, 1957. When is the earliest I can start drawing on social security? Thank you. My email issabuu2017@gmail.com
Vonda V.
Hi Benjamin. If you’re asking about Social Security retirement benefits, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 (September 2019 for you) or as late as age 70. Monthly benefits are reduced if you start them any time before your “full retirement age”. Your full retirement age depends on your date of birth. It may be between age 66 and 67. This could affect the amount of your benefits and when you want the benefits to start.
The Benefits Planner: Retirement provides detailed information about Social Security retirement benefits.
Darell W.
I applied for my retirements on 02/10/2019, my DOB is 09/05/1956. I am relying on this income to pay for foods an
monies to pay my electricity & gas bills. When I filed I was told I would receive my 1st deposit the 2nd week of March but no deposit was made!? Can anyone help me so I can eat?
DARELL W.
CORRECTION: I APPLIED FOR RETIREMENT ON 02/01/2019…..
DARELL
Domenic W.
it says my benefits will increase 2.8% in 2019. however i receive the same amount for the last 2 or 3 years.
P W.
So many things to accept something! Whatdoyoudo?????
Joanne P.
Please tell me why my 2019 benefit isx less than my 2018 benefit
Ann C.
Hi, Joanne. Thanks for your question. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Kitty S.
what is the social earnings for 2018?
Amber
I didn’t receive any benefits this month. Not sure what that means.
Ann C.
Hi, Amber. If you do not receive your payment on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine why your direct deposit failed. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!