Social Security Benefits to Increase in 2018
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: October 13, 2017
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 people receive each month. 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 prices increase, making your cost of living go up. This means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive. The COLA helps to offset these costs. As a result, more than 66 million Americans will see a 2.0 percent increase in their Social Security and SSI benefits in 2018.
Other changes that will happen in January 2018 are 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 $128,700. The earnings limit for workers younger than “full” retirement age will increase to $17,040 and the limit for people turning “full” retirement age in 2018 will increase to $45,360.
You can find more information about the 2018 COLA here.
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Tags: Cost of living adjustment, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Frank d.
I never received the cola notice for 2018
R.F.
Hi Frank, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices for 2018 are mailed during the month of December. If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks!
Kathleen A.
Received notice of SS increase for 2018. No change in monthly benefit amount. Same as 2017. Husband received same notice and his statement showed an increase for 2018 monthly amount.
Judith A.
I would like to know when our benefits will increase. I just read my ‘new benefits for 2018’ and find they are remaining the same. We once got actual increases. So did the money grubbing Republicans (specifically Paul Ryan and Donald Trump) put a hold on increases. I know Ryan would love to see all Senior Citizens drop dead so is this his way of starving them to death? I, for one, (and I know there are many others out here) would love to see some sort of increase. Republicans want to see the rich get richer and I truly will vote Democrat next time, even if it’s a retarded monkey running on the ticket.
Kathleen A.
My husbands increased and mine remained the same.
FYI…we already have the monkey in office.
Robert S.
Yes you gave us a 2% raise which is a totally bogus cooked up number for inflation. I could easily show where cola numbers you use are a scam. The inflation over this last year alone has been a minimum 10% and sure it’s higher than that. Now I see you completely took it away by applying the whole increase to the cost of Medicare.
Carolyn F.
Carolyn Faye Smith
10285 Tabor Road
Gadsden, Alabama 35904
SS# *** – ** – ***
I am writing this message because I am not receiving a cost of living raise in 2018. I would like to receive an answer as to why I am not receiving this raise. I thought that when a raise was given then it was for all who drew a social security check. My phone number is256/523/3185.
R.F.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not call or do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks.
Hien K.
I have paid Medicare Part B premium = $109.40/month for many years. I received a statement from SSA that my Part B premium will go up to $134/month.
Other people increased from $99/month to $124/month.
I do not understand the reason.
Thanks
Sharon K.
I received my letter stating my benefits for 2018 and there is no 2% increase, my benefit stayed the same.
Also true for my husband…what’s the answer?
karen c.
my husband received a raise in his social security for 2018, why did I not receive one
R.F.
Hi Karen, for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. 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. Thanks.
Francils E.
Your 2018 monthly benefit worksheet shows my new monthly amount to be $1355 inclusive of the 2% COLA.
How can that be if my 2017 monthly amount is $1350?
Where is the 2% COLA increase? Does that equate to plus $5.00 per monthly payment?
Please advise…
Thank you,
Frank Bagnall
R.F.
Hi Francis. 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.
Carol M.
i am trying to get an answer as to where my change of benefits statement is my husband received his over a week ago.
R.F.
Hi Carol! The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices for 2018 are mailed during the month of December, so please continue to look out for it in the mail. If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks.