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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Mrs. M.
I have not received my “Your New Benefit Amount” form telling me the amount I will receive and the amount I pay for Medicare.
This form gives me all kinds of information and telephone numbers I may need. Can you tell me when that form will be sent out. It is usually here long before now.
Thank you.
V.V.
Hi Marcia. Most beneficiaries can check out their COLA notice in the Message Center of their my Social Security account. You will also receive this COLA notice by mail in December. The mailings are staggered. In the future, you will have a choice of online or paper notification.
For more details, check out our Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information web page.
Edith E.
Why did my benefits for 2019 not increase?
V.V.
Hi Edith, thank you for your question. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums. The Social Security Act contains a “hold harmless” provision that protects most beneficiaries. The amount of the benefit will stay the same even though the Medicare Part B premium increases. For information about Medicare premiums in 2019, visit http://www.medicare.gov.
Margaret H.
I have not yet received my Social Security statement about increases for 2019, but most of my friends have. When can I expect mine?
V.V.
Hi Margaret. Most beneficiaries can check out their COLA notice in the Message Center of their my Social Security account. You will also receive this COLA notice by mail in December. The mailings are staggered. In the future, you will have a choice of online or paper notification.
For more details, check out our Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information web page.
Laura H.
Hi, I am reaching out to you with regards to the Business Excellence Awards 2019, hosted by Acquisition International.There has been a nomination submitted on your company’s behalf, however no contact email was provided on the submission. I just wanted to drop you a quick message to ask if you would like to proceed with your nomination. Please contact myself, with reference to BUS19042 on the above email or directly on 0044 203 970 0033 if this is something you would like to move forward with, or for further information. Thanks, Laura Hunter
http://www.acq-intl.com
kenneth k.
my wife and I are both receiving ss will we both get a increase
Linda L.
I did not receive an increase in 2018 and it looks like I will not be getting it in 2019. I am wondering why I don’t get it but my husband always get the raises, my friends an other family members also receive the increases.
V.V.
Hi Linda. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums. The Social Security Act contains a “hold harmless” provision that protects most beneficiaries. The amount of the benefit will stay the same even though the Medicare Part B premium increases. For information about Medicare premiums in 2019, visit http://www.medicare.gov.
Robert C.
I just received my notification from SSA and much to my dismay , our payment for 2019 will drop by over $4,000. Why is that since we were supposed to receive a 2.8% increase
V.V.
Hi Robert. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums. The Social Security Act contains a “hold harmless” provision that protects most beneficiaries. The amount of the benefit will stay the same even though the Medicare Part B premium increases. For information about Medicare premiums in 2019, visit http://www.medicare.gov
Kenneth L.
want to know if 2019 award letters have been mailed yet
V.V.
Hi Kenneth. Most beneficiaries can check out their COLA notice in the Message Center of their my Social Security account. You will also receive this COLA notice by mail in December. The mailings are staggered. In the future, you will have a choice of online or paper notification.
For more details, check out our Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information web page.
Garnet H.
I need a replacement of my 2019 Benefit Form.
Judy R.
Everything is going up except our checks. Cola increase is going into part b premiums. So where are seniors better off financially?? I won’t see an increase.