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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John
It seems strange that the common folks out there cannot seem to grasp the concept that when the COLA goes up the check amount goes up less the Medicare premium which also goes up. Some get more and some get the same (Held harmless). If this is not fair then write into your representative for changes in the law and tell him/her what you think is fair. Most people get something and that beats the heck out of nothing.
John
All good information to be sure!
Susan R.
2.8% increase in social security I am sure the government will impose a tax increase perhaps on Utility companies to rip it from us faster then we get it. Give with one hand and they take it in another hand.
Omayra R.
01/03/2019 call the Social Security Benefits 1-800-772-1213. No answer had a question why my Social Security Benefits has been reduced 01/03/2019 with no letter send or any type of information?
R.F.
Hello Omayra. 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!
Shakirah M.
298 E Mian St. Middletown DE 19709
djohson @ ryjson.com
188 N Bay Drive dover de 19901
1302-2707197 13025000014
13024223732
15-04564
Cn15-01706
05021999
05132005
19960
James A.
how much will the Medicare deduction that comes out of S.S. be for 2019
thanks
R.F.
Hello James. The standard Part B premium amount in 2019 is $135.50. Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount. For complete information, go to http://www.Medicare.gov Thanks!
William N.
Now my rent goes up and my food stamps and energy assistance go down. Well I can look forward to a 2.8% increase in the cost of food in 2019.
Joel D.
Will the monthly Social Security check be affected by the Government shutdown?
Diane
No, Joel, there will not be any interruption due to the government shutdown according to what I read.
But feel free to double check directly with Social Security.
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Joel. At this time, there is no anticipated disruption in benefit payments for Social Security beneficiaries or Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. All payments will continue to be made on schedule.
LEVITA D.
I started getting my social security pension since age 65, but I worked till 70 yrs old and had SS deduction on my paycheck. I Would like to know if there is an increase in my SS pension since I got a SS deduction on my paycheck while I was still working after age 65. Thank you.
R.F.
Hello Levita. Under current law, everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. As long as you continue to work, even if you are receiving benefits, you will continue to pay Social Security taxes on your earnings. However, we will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings you had will increase your monthly benefit. If there is an increase, we will send you a letter telling you of your new benefit amount. We hope this information helps!
Richard A.
I got a new SS card the still use SS number not the new one why
Kathy
You should not have been given a new number. Duplicate card, yes. March into your nearest Ss Office to get the numbers straightened out. Bring both cards, do, proof of address, if married, marriage license, and any Veterans or service docs you may have with your number on it .passport if you have one.
R.F.
Hello Richard. 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!