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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Barb K.
I am refinancing my house and they need my award letter.
June B.
What do I do to start collecting Social Security on 4/12/2020 when I turn 66 years of age and I will still be gainfully employed?
A.C.
Hi, June. Thanks for your question. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance. When you are ready, you can complete the online application for Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. To get started, go here. We hope this helps.
Robert H.
DD 214 Increase Social Security Benefits for Veterans.which were in active duty between January 1957-December 31, 2001 Can I apply for this
Enrique A.
I have not received any increase in the amount I receive because medicare has gone higher in cost,that has happened for the last six years is there a way for people that receive small amounts so they can receive something in those cases I got $409.00 for the last six years.
Sandra M.
Let me know the next time you raise SSI
Thank you,
Sandra Martinez
Amanda F.
How much can i earn in 2019 and still get my benefits? I am 36 years old and have a child that is 13.
A.C.
Hi, Amanda. Thanks for your question. If you are younger than full retirement age and receiving auxiliary or survivor benefits during all of 2020, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $18,240. Check out how work affects Social Security payments here.
If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, special rules allow you to work temporarily without losing your monthly Social Security disability benefits. After your nine-month trial work period, we still provide a safety net that allows you to work another three years risk free. During those three years, you can work and still receive benefits for any month in which your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. For 2020 those limits are: $2,110 for blind individuals; or $1,260 a month if you are not blind. For more information on working while receiving Social Security disability benefits, click here. We hope this information is helpful.
Lila M.
I need a copy of my husband’s and my 2019 Social Security Benefit notice showing my monthly amount and Medicare Medical Insurance deduction. Is it possible to receive it through my email?
Lila Gay McSwain
Charles L. McSwain
A.C.
Hi, Lila. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2019 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. You can also contact or visit your local Social Security office. They can assist with a replacement 1099. We hope this helps.
Ken B.
When will schedule of SS benefits for 2020 be posted?
Thanks, Ken
A.C.
Hi, Ken. For future pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefit payments calendar useful. Thanks!
Patricia H.
I have not received my social security tax statement for
year end 2019
A.C.
Hi, Patricia. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If for any reason you have not received your SSA-1099 in the mail, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2019 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
josephine j.
I misplaced my letter that I received last January 2019 I am sorry but I will need it to due my taxes this year. Thank You
L.A.
Hi Josephine. Thanks for your question. Good news! You can request a replacement SSA-1099 by using her your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.