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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Ronald T.
Social Security says 2.8% increase, if I use that and new amount they say, I’m .64 short.
who got that money
Ron Turpin
Bryan M.
congress jimmy gomez xavier becerra kamala harris wwe investor stakeholders sell it -buy it -own it -2327-Ridgeview ave home care center in los angeles ca.gov 90041 wwe.com http://www.ssa.gov http://www.dor.ca.gov http://www.sba.gov http://www.usa.gov eastern los angeles regional center P.O.BOX 7916 ALHAMBRA CA 91803 -7916 TELEPHONE 1-626-299-4700 FAX 1-626-281-1163 SIGN BRYANMIRANDA1028@GMAIL.COM
W. K.
When will the 2019 Benefits be mailed?
R.F.
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. For more details about the new COLA, visit http://www.ssa.gov/cola. Thanks!
Patricia G.
My benefit amount is less than 2018
Connie S.
I received a letter from the Social Security Administration regarding the 2.8 increase for 2019. I was also notified that my insurance with Medicare would be increasing. I also was advised my monthly amount effective in January of 2019 would be reduced due to the amount of income shown on my tax return.
I paid into social security my entire life and now I’m being punished for having addiction income in my retirement. Explain to me why I’m not entitled to my full benefits from my social security.
R.F.
Hello Connie. 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.
Karina P.
blog.ssa.gov is an excellent read. I just passed this on 6/8/2019 to a coworker who has been involved in a little research of her own on this topic. To say thanks, she just bought me a drink! So, I guess I should say: Cheers for the drink!
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Ilana S.
6/11/2019 I’m gratified by the manner in which blog.ssa.gov handles this type of issue! Usually on point, often controversial, always thoughtful and also stimulating.
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Joe E.
will disability recipients receive an increase in 2019?
R.F.
Hello Joe, the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2019 applies to all Social Security beneficiaries. The COLA will take effect with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments paid on December 31, 2018, and Social Security payments paid in January 2019.
For more details about the new COLA, visit http://www.ssa.gov/cola. Thanks!
Edward B.
My social security card is so faded that you can hardly read it how do I get a new card. I punched on that link but it would never come up. ThanksE
R.F.
Hello Edward, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Alexis L.
I more or less share your take on this topic and look forward to additional posts and comments here at blog.ssa.gov. Keep up the good work!
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Jeffery D.
I want a simple answer to a simple question. What will be the medicare premium that will be taken out of my social security each month in 2019?????
R.F.
Hello Jeffrey, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $135.50 for 2019. please visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) web page for more information. Thanks!
Berneice H.
Appreciate blog.ssa.gov– very user-friendly and lots to see!
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Joi P.
In my opinion, blog.ssa.gov does a great job of covering issues of this kind. Even if ofttimes deliberately polemic, the information is in the main thoughtful and challenging.
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Gregory
Just got my wife’s notice for 2019, net 0 nada penny. Can really count on our government to look after its citizens.
Norma
got my notice I lost again this year no raise. Mine went to a rise in the medicare medical insurance, that is what they don’t people are the increases in medicare medical insurance. grrrrrrr.