COLA

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2023

October 13, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

older adults standing and talkingApproximately 70 million Americans will see a 8.7% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2023. On average, Social Security benefits will increase by more than $140 per month starting in January.

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 higher. 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 your 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 receiving the mailed notice. Benefit amounts will not be available before December. Since you will receive the COLA notice online or in the mail, you don’t need to contact us to get your new benefit amount.

If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account to opt out by changing your Preferences in the Message Center. You can update your preferences to opt out of the mailed COLA notice, and any other notices that are available online. Did you know you can receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? 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 15, 2022 to receive the 2023 COLA notice online.

“Medicare premiums are going down and Social Security benefits are going up in 2023, which will give seniors more peace of mind and breathing room. This year’s substantial Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is the first time in over a decade that Medicare premiums are not rising and shows that we can provide more support to older Americans who count on the benefits they have earned,” Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi said.

January 2023 marks when other changes 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 2023 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2023.

Be among 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 2023 COLA here.

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Comments

  1. Tracy B.

    Why would I only get a $44 increase with the 8% ?

  2. Dolores S.

    Apparently there is no service I tried calling because since I could not access the SSA website using Safari I tried a different browser, my fault I guess I could not remember the pass word and tried it 3x now I am blocked. Please see my other comment. Is anyone able to help with getting on this website and now I need to get unblocked too.

    I cannot get help online, on the phone or anywhere now.

  3. Diane H.

    I submitted an SSA-44 at the local Hillside, IL Social Security office on 11/22/22. I was told on the phone (waited for an hour) that I might get the form resolved if I went into the local office. I came with the form as well as backup documentation. The gal at SSA said they don’t handle these forms, but she will forward to the proper department. It is now 12/07/22 and I haven’t heard anything. What do I do?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Diane. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. You can also submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

  4. Jeanette L.

    How come some people received their cola increase already and was told they got the increase in Sept. Was it a different kind of pymt?So confusing.

  5. Michael H.

    I printed my Social security award letter and my social security did increase for 2023, however, my medical deduction doubled in 2023 so that is basically receiving only a 40.00 monthly increase. Why did the Medicare medical deduction practically double? That took away the cola increase!!

    • Robert d.

      It is disheartening to see that the government will give people a bone to chew with the increase in SSI Benefits and then take it away through another avenue, the increase of Medicare benefits.. They give us a raise then increase another SS payment in order to reimburse themselves. The great American way.

      • Raudi A.

        I do not get medicare because my health does
        not require it. Am 71yrs old no somking or
        drinking. Have been to the doctors only once
        in 15yrs. Lots of natural intake no sugar or
        salt and take centrum vitamins. Will not be
        supporting something that is not needed.

      • Eddie p.

        They been doing this for years That why you can’t get ahead

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Michael. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  6. Lisa A.

    Why can’t we actually get a raise That makes sense not just little piddly stuff and you guys tell everyone that that’s because of the increase that’s that is because the cost of living has gone up a lot. Who is the person that does not make real common sense decisions. That is not enough money to live on have you not seen the grocery prices? I can’t even eat somebody help a little is better than nothing but I want it to be right. I want it to be accurate. Thank you.

  7. Tom

    How long does it take to receive a response from a non-medical appeal? I submitted an appeal concerning my IRMAA several weeks ago (on forms ssa-561-u2 and ssa-44) and need a response before we get to close to year end. Thanks.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Tom. Thanks for visiting our blog. The time it takes to receive an appeal decision can vary. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  8. MaryAnn S.

    Why is the Avanda plan only available in certain areas

  9. CeeCee

    Is the 2023 SSI increase for EVERY STATE??

    • KnowALittleBitAboutSSA

      Yes, Social Security is a federal program. The COLA is nationwide.

    • KnowALittleBitAboutSSA

      The field offices are flooded with IRMAA redeterminations this time of year. If not processed by the beginning of the new year and your IRMAA is determined to be reduced, you can be refunded the difference.

  10. Deborah

    why am I needing to pay additional monthly premiums to SS for part C and D. I do not need prescription drug as my previous employer has my prescription drug within my retirement package.???

    • Dan

      You should contact a Medicare Ins. broker to guide you thought the maze. Part C is an Advantage plan that covers prescriptions and much more. Plan D is a prescription only plan. You don’t need both.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Deborah. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. You may wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your options. We hope this helps.

       

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