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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Billy
The COLA in crease has not happed for 2018…why!!
kusumdei n.
I will like to know WHY I was given a COLA increase, name is kushumdei naraine XXX-XX-XXXX
kuasumdei n.
I did not get a (raise) increase for cola for 2018,my ss# XXX-XX-XXXX please explain at email (husband)vishwasnarain@yahoo.com
R.F.
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.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!
Stella B.
My husband received an $18 increase in his social security benefit but I received nothing. I don’t know why I didn’t since there was an increase of 2.0%.
R.F.
Hello Stella. 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!
kathryn c.
my social security showed no increase at all. why is that?
R.F.
Hi Kathryn. 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.
Calla J.
Great! But I got no increase although my husband did.
Jamie R.
Are benefits through direct deposit running late this month?
R.F.
Hello Jamie! SSA delivers benefit-payments on four days throughout the month: on the 3rd of the month and on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month.
Beneficiaries entitled to benefits prior to May 1997 continue to receive their payments on the 3rd of the month. Beneficiaries who filed claims on or after May 1, 1997, are assigned one of the three new payment dates (second, third or fourth Wednesdays of the month)based on their day of birth.
View the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments for 2018 for more information.
To report a missing payment, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
JOSEPHINE R.
This stinks! why did the date need to be changed?
Joann F.
My social security went from $1276.00 to @1278.00 why didn’t I get a .02 increase. Its tough to meet my bills . rent has gone up and I have a car payment. No food help. I really don’t know what we seniors are going to do. What can I do. ??
Ben
Don’t go thru Randall that guys the scammer wants a bunch of information than won’t give a fair case than will basically tell you to get lost don’t even have him involved in anything.
DONNA L.
I have NOT received a letter regarding this so called pitiful “increase” and it is now February 12, 2018.
R.F.
Hi Donna, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices for 2018 are mailed during the month of December. If you did not get one and 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!