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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Wayne R.
How can I get a copy of my wife’s New Benefit Statement for 2019. My copy came in the mail my wife’s did not. I need this information for my insurance Co. My wife’s SS number is *** – ** – ***. Her name is Betty J. Baughman our mailing address is 3219 West Eugie Ave. Phoenix AZ. 85029
carolyn s.
my social security did not increase
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. Thanks!
PATSY J.
My 92-year old mother’s Medicare increased $9 for 2019. Why did it increase that much beyond the stated $1.50?
PATSY J.
My 92-year old mother’s 2019 Medicare went up $9. Why did it increase that much?
R.F.
Hello Patsy. 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. Also, we may not be able to provide that information to you without your mother’s authorization.
If you think your mother needs assistance managing her benefits the Social Security’s Representative Payment Program provides financial management for the Social Security of our beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security payments.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further 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!
lynette m.
I received a message about an increase in social security benefit however I do not see an increase. I am receiving widows benefit. Does this mean I am locked in at this rate at death?
R.F.
Hello Lynette. 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!
LEE b.
I received my 2019 report but my wife did not
edison r.
my increase on my social security check for 2019
V.V.
Hi Edison. 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.
martha c.
as a result of this cola increase i am drawing $2.40 less than i was drawing previously.. why is this ???
V.V.
Hi Martha. 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
Rita R.
Have all the forms for 2019 increase in social security been mailed. My neighbors received these a week ago.
Making sure they didn’t get lost in the mail.
Thank you
V.V.
Hi Rita. 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.
Roger E.
I have not received Your New Benefit Amount letter My wife received hers two months ago I have not received mine? Why? Roger E. Hanson 53946 177 Lane Good Thunder mn. 56037
V.V.
Hi Roger. 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.