Social Security Benefits Increase in 2021
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. 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, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs.
We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But, if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain the Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your personal my Social Security account. You can access this information in early December prior to the mailed notice.
If you prefer to access your COLA notice online instead of receiving the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account to opt out of a mailed COLA notice and any other notices that are available online by updating your Preferences in the Message Center. You can also choose to receive a text or email alert when there is a new notice. That way, you always know when we have something important for you – like your COLA notice. If you don’t have an account yet, you must create one by November 18, 2020 to receive the 2021 COLA notice online.
January 2021 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 in 2021 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2021.
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.
You can find more information about the 2021 COLA here.
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Tags: COLA, my Social Security, my Social Security account
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Paul L.
I too am having major issues getting back into (MySSA), I was issued a letter to update and reestablish my account, about 2 years ago. It didn’t get me back in, kicked/locked out again. When I changed phone#’s, did not log in enough, it has just been so frustrating. Suggestion: We seniors should only have to get logged in one time, thereafter, have a bi-annual code sent via email for any change(s) to be made. My mental health is not even close to par, I was too ashamed to contact the person that assisted me at that time. What do I do, can you help?
V.V.
Hi Paul, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing with your my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
SHIRLEY K.
After setting up my personal SS account, I realized that there is 35 years of my earnings missing so based on what is recorded, my monthly check is only $1,057 per month. SS has made many mistakes on my account and I would like to see if maybe some of my earnings were recorded on my ex husbands account instead of mine. How can I have this researched?
V.V.
Hi Shirley, thank you for the question. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to correct your earnings record. We hope this helps!
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BEVERLY L.
I NEED TO UPDATE MY EMAIL ADDRESS & RESET A NEW PASSWORD – I HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS – I HAVE TRIED TO SEARCH – I HAVE TRIED TO FIND OUT HOW TO DO THIS ON LINE BUT NOTHING WORKS – PLEASE EMAIL ME HOW TO DO THIS PLEASE
V.V.
Hi Beverly, thank you for your question. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username and password.
After you sign in to your my Social Security account, you can update your email address. After inputting your username and password, you will be at the security code screen. If you receive your security code via email only, then indicate that you cannot access the options listed above and need to reset where you receive security codes. We will then send you a letter with a reset code and instructions. We hope this helps!
Mary F.
I have more of a question than a comment.
Veterans with 100% disability do not, by law, pay taxes on their income so how is their last years income count toward their this years income when you calculate the IRMAA deduction.
V.V.
Hi Mary, thank you for using our blog. To determine if you’ll pay higher premiums, Social Security uses the most recent federal tax return the IRS provides to us. If you must pay higher premiums, we use a sliding scale to make the adjustments, based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Your MAGI is your total adjusted gross income and tax-exempt interest income.
For details regarding an appeal, check out the factsheet: What You Can Do if You Think Your Medicare Income-Related Premium is Incorrect.
To report a Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Life-Changing Event, complete and return the form to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Norma
What days is your office open in the Dallas oergon
V.V.
All of our Social Security offices are able to provide critical services. If you have a critical situation that we cannot help you with by phone, online, fax, or mail, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more information.
Rubidia
My husband passed away last week how can I get the covid-19 $250 help for his burial?
John W.
Rubidia
Fill out Form SSA-8, and send it on line, by mail, or deliver to your local SSA office. I hope this helps.
V.V.
We are very sorry for your loss, Rubidia. To make an appointment to file for the lump sum death payment, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Alfredo
alfredo tello.i am on ssi and I am replying to you with tolded respect I need so much help in getting my first stimulus check ?my social security number is (***-**-****) I hop if you can look in to this emergency because I am in need the money for bills ! thanks for understanding !
V.V.
Hi Alfredo, thank you for your question. Please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments Information Center to answer your questions about eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
Joe
You have to apply for the money, so go to your social security office orgive them a call.
Patricia
Will Medicare premium give me a refund or will I receive a payment
Laura W.
I have tried all day to offer you a exchange of address and you even say my s s range is wrong. What am i to do?
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