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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Douglas D.
1.3 % is not enough to help seniors. Not when you go up on Medicare. And cost of living. People are getting ss. That should not . People are paying in toit and rules say they cant get ss because they where a employee of s chool dist. Even though they payed in to it. Due to some stupid rule that they did not vote in or have a say adds up to out right theft. Of there ss.
Charles A.
The whole system is broken. COLA increases in no way match the reality of today’s cost of goods. Get real for God’s sake…and us retirees.
Ricardo m.
Good
Luz
These increases are not enough when it basically ends up in medicare. We should automatically be entitled to Medicaid and keep out 144.00 in order to survive. The cost of living adjustments NEVER REALISTICALLY MATCH THE REAL COST OF AFFORDABLE LIVING..UTILITY COMPANIES INCREASE, HOME TAXES, INSURSNCES AND I CANNOT HAVE ANY EMERGENCY MONIES BECAUSE OF THIS.
Carrie
Right now my rent has has gone up more each year than COLA…. I own my home but pay lot rent ? my percentage of rent is 70%! This is ridiculous. I know I am eligible for sec8… but the waiting list for sec 8 is and has been closed for years! YEARS!
Connie W.
It needs to be more , Cost of living have went up 3 times in the last 3yrs it a shame e
very thing went up but the pay checks. The system is mass up when economy went they giving people to much when they could have been helping us then because we put a whole lot in when these young ones. don’t want to work
Melissa
I receive a little benefit amount of $803 in social security benefits about how much will my check increase to if the increase will be 1.3%?
Linda W.
This so called raise is really no raise! With the cost of living continuing to go up every day, with our rent going up Every 12 months, and with covid 19. We are struggling, every day! The first stimulus check did up, but it was just a temporary bandaid on an bleeding would. I and all my senior friends, are so afraid, so insecure, so depressed, they are barely keeping there heads above water now. I believe our forefathers would be so disappointed if they new what was going on in America today! Doesn’t anyone care? Doesn’t anyone want it to be they way they wanted Americans to live? To be able to count on our country, to be there for us, give us strength, hope, love? I know I’m not so sure anymore! Down & disappointed,
A True American.
Gail
Amen
Bud B.
Why should Social Security be one of the default services to suffer from the current economic conditions?
I and my employer have been paying taxes towards this program since 1965 while 16 years old and I have continued to do so until 2019. I waited until I was 66 to collect SS and now 4 years later while supporting my children and their children I am concerned about this proposed loss of Income and how it will affect the 3 generations that my wife and I support.
I volunteered for the USAF in 1967 at 17 and I volunteered for a 1 year tour in 1969 to serve in Viet Nam and received the Air Force Commendation Award for Meritorious Service during this tour.
Cutting back back on my Social Security allowance at this point in my life and others who support extended families could simply result in an overload for other Social Services…
Jane
How can I apply for benefit?
Vonda V.
Hi Jane, thanks for using our blog. Depending on what type of benefit you’re referring to, you can apply for the following benefits online:
•Retirement/Spouses/Divorced Spouses;
•Medicare; and
•Disability.
If you are unable or do not want to apply for benefits online, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 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.