Social Security Benefits to Increase in 2019
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Each year we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Usually there is an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. By law, federal benefits increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
The CPI-W rises when prices increase for the things the average consumer buys. This means that when prices for goods and services we purchase become more expensive, on average, the COLA increases monthly benefit levels and helps you keep up with the changing cost of living.
As a result, more than 67 million Americans will see a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security and SSI benefits in 2019.
January 2019 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, as well as the retirement earnings test exempt amount, will change in 2019.
Want to know your new benefit amount as soon as possible? In December 2018, we will post Social Security COLA notices online for retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries who have a personal my Social Security account. You will be able to view and save these COLA notices securely via the Message Center inside my Social Security.
Be the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today and choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications so you won’t miss your electronic COLA notice!
This year, you will still receive your COLA notice by mail. In the future, you will be able to choose whether you receive your notice online instead of on paper. Online notices will not be available to representative payees, individuals with foreign mailing addresses, or those who pay higher Medicare premiums due to their income. We plan to expand the availability of COLA notices to additional online customers in the future.
You can find more information about the 2019 COLA here.
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Tags: Cost of living adjustment, my Social Security, my Social Security account, 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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Kathleen S.
Neither my husband, Kayo Silvernale nor I, Kathleen Silvernale have received our new social security cards. We moved 51/2 years ago, perhaps our address was never changed. Former address P.O. Box 164. Currie, Mn 56123. New address 15001. Burnhaven Dr. #112, Burnsville, Mn. 55306. Please reply what to do next. I cannot set up a social security online account with our old SS numbers
John G.
I am getting an extra $45, but $1.50 will be deducted for Medicare, so I am happy. With my private pension we are making it because as you know with just social security most people suffer trying to pay bills and living from month to month on so little.
Roberta G.
I need a copy of benefits to be paid monthly in 2019.
Tom M.
I don’t see the point of even giving out COLAs when Medicare takes 3/4 of it. That means that SS is nowhere near keeping up with inflation. Considering last year when most of my increase went to Medicare, I am far behind. And under Obama, I didn’t get a dime. It is very misleading when you say we will get a 2.8% increase as we are expecting that applies spending income. Than it doesn’t. It doesn’t really matter too much in my case right now, but it might in the future.
Nicki G.
Is MEDICARE going to go too?
Rich G.
terrible web site
Donald D.
You send email about my cola notice on line but it is impossible to find it after logging in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just wasted far too much time only to discover it is no where to be found!
Totally disgusted with your web site!
Janet P.
Seriously are we getting an increase in benefits for 2019? Just got one last year
R.F.
Hello Janet. For more details about the new 2019 COLA, visit http://www.ssa.gov/cola. Thanks!
Alvarez R.
Thanks very much for the info.
R.F.
We’re pleased we can help. We appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your comment!
BEN C.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEE MY 2019 STATEMENT ? I WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW TO SEE THE AMOUNT OF MEICARE PART “B” DEDUCTION. THANKS,
R.F.
Hello Ben. 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 personal my Social Security account.
Information about Medicare changes for 2019, when announced, will be available at http://www.medicare.gov.
In December 2018, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the Message Center of their my Social Security. You will still receive your COLA notice by mail this year, but in the future you will be able to choose whether you receive your notice online instead of on paper. Thanks!