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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Brigitte M.
Looking for Benefit Payment Schedule for 2020!!!
Could not find it anywhere!!!
A.C.
Hi, Brigitte. To see the schedule of Social Security benefits payment calendar, visit here. Thanks!
Janet l.
How do I obtain a copy award letter for “
A.C.
Hi, Janet. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. We hope this helps.
Lenore D.
I have not received my SS income statement yet for salary and my earnings for the year. The one with what I was paid last year.
08/10/1941. Date of Birth
Is my SS necessary?
A.C.
Hi, Lenore. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099, tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If for any reason you do not receive your SSA-1099 in the mail by then, starting on February 1, 2020, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2019 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Cynthia L.
I just want to let you know that I am not working
A.C.
Hi, Cynthia. 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.
Denton S.
Please email me a copy of my 2020 Benefit Award Letter or mail it to me at Denton S. Gehr II, 8015 N Gillespie Ln, Tucson, AZ 85743
Denton S.
I need the form to send to my VIA Benefits program. Thank you, Denton Gehr
A.C.
Hi, Denton. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Denton. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Tia M.
When will I receive my monthly benefits for January 2020
A.C.
Hi, Tia. Thanks for your question. For future pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefits payment calendar useful. We hope this helps.
Hortensia K.
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Isabel W.
I received today my social security increase of $5.00
which is really more than anything an offense to all Americans. What should we do with $5.00. The cost of living doesn’t match this amount. Social Security has to do something about this most important issue in America. Retire people has been giving their unconditional work to this country. I can do nothing with this increase.
J. S.
all i am getting is 17 cents. WOW
makes me want to give up on this government
Kenneth R.
I am looking for my 2019 Social Security Benefits Award Letter.
L.A.
Hi Kenneth. We, Social Security, started to mail the Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLA) notices for 2020. For many beneficiaries, this notice will be available online in the Message Center of their personal my Social Security accounts. Please create or login to your personal my Social Security account to verify your receipt of this notice. We hope this helps.