COLA

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2020

October 10, 2019 • By

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Last Updated: October 10, 2019

When we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), there’s usually an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, it makes your cost of living go up. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the COLA helps to offset these costs.

As a result, nearly 69 million Americans will see a 1.6 percent increase in their Social Security and SSI benefits in 2020.

January 2020 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax. The retirement earnings test exempt amount, will also change in 2020.

Want to know your new benefit amount as soon as possible? In December 2019, we will post Social Security COLA notices online for retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries who have a my Social Security account. You will be able to view and save these COLA notices securely via the Message Center inside my Social Security.  You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online.

Be the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications. This way you won’t miss your online COLA notice!

You can find more information about the 2020 COLA here.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Gayleen G.

    I wanted to know when I will receive The form, “Social Securilty Benefits Rate Change (BRI) for 2020?

    I need this Before 12/31/2019 because Santa Clara County, CA, is requiring this form before this date.

    Thanks

  2. Robert E.

    When will I receive a hard copy of increase COLA 2020 statement?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Robert. For information about the 2020 cost of living (COLA) notices, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. . Thanks!

  3. Jose F.

    So I will not see an increase in the December 31 check most likely on the next one from January to February check right? Thank you and enjoy your holiday

    • Luis A.

      Hi José. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you will receive your January 1st payment on December 31st. If you receive Social Security retirement or disability or any other type of Social Security payment, you will receive the payment on its regularly scheduled payment date. For future payment dates, please see our Schedule of Social Security Payments for 2020. We hope this information helps.

  4. Debra K.

    What do I do to renew SS for 2020 ? I still have Silver Script Plus and Cigna as suppliment ..Only haven till Dec 7 so what do I do?

    • Luis A.

      Hi Debra. Please note that for your security, we do not have access to your information in this forum. We suggest that you contact your insurance provider or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Also, please visit Medicare’s website. We hope this information helps.

  5. BARBARA s.

    I would like to know my social security amount in 2020 yr my phone number is 205 8621760 email profitness7867@gmail.com barbara I get five hundred and thirty three dollars a month now

    • Luis A.

      Hi Barbara. You should have received your notice of the increase for 2020 in December of 2019. If you do not have it, you may create or access your personal my Social Security account to see if a copy of the notice has been added to your personal my Social Security account. If not, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.

  6. Constance M.

    My daughter gets $900.00 plus in disability, plus. She is an alcoholic. She worked 20 hr a week jobs. Did not raise her son, pay his dad child support, etc.
    I worked a full time job, and for many years a second job. In my four ties I returned to school. I retired at 77 years old, due to illness. I get $1100.00 and Medicare. I am responsible for my own living expenses, car insurances. Which is okay.
    I raised three children. Minus child support, fuel , medical assistance, and on and on. Oldest son was sailor of the year while stationed in San Diego, retired honorably from Navy. Other son was a submariner. Honorable discharge. They were navy brats until the divorce. Did not get medical, cause dad did not sign them up. After a
    career in Navy, Air Force and Army, including Vietnam Nam, he retired.
    Point – how do people who barely worked, if at all, make
    out better than those earned their way and gave to their country? I have over simplified matters, of course.

  7. david P.

    1.6% is not much but it is ok. Any increase in SSI is Appreciated.. Any will help..

  8. Leonard B.

    I got an idea,stop paying illegal immigrants any type of benefits and then us American Seniors that have paid into our system all of our lives could receive more money to live on and have better cheaper medical coverage too.Then if the United States would stop sending trillions of our dollar’s to foreign countries that hate us anyway,wow we would all live better and have plenty to eat! Charity should start at home and not worry about other countries.

    Leonard Barnett

  9. Norman E.

    I get $941 a month now.How much will I get i 2020?

  10. Tracy

    My rent went up higher than the increase so I’m worse off. Great…

Comments are closed.