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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Tim M.
How do i stop medicare monthly deductions?
Allan L.
URGENT ! Why did I receive a SS letter on 12/25 saying I won’t receive my normal 4th Wed Dec 2018 payment due today 12/26 – until the 4th Wed in Jan 2019? Why am I only getting 11 monthly payments. I can’t pay my rent unless I receive my Dec 2108 payment. I’m confused .!
John D.
Hi,
I am collecting social security benefits – retired at age 62. recently I took a full time job and want to know how I report estimated earnings for 2019 so that my social security check can be adjusted to reflect income above the allowed amount. Not sure what form needs to be filed.
Thanks
Harry B.
My Medicare deduction went from $135/mo for 2018 to $155/mo for 2019. What is the reason. My prescription Deduction stll stayed at $61.
Judy A.
When will I receive my statement of my 2019 benefits? My husband has already received his.
SAMUEL D.
I have tried to find 2019 pay dates………..
K.O.
Hello Samuel. See 2019 Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payment. We hope this helps.
James V.
Looking for schedule of social security benefit payments for 2019
A.C.
Hi, James. You can find the schedule for 2019 Social Security benefit payments here. Thanks.
Dave
Glad to hear the benefits will increase. I think we could get them to increase more if we can stop the fraud associated with SS benefits. I read an article about persons receiving benefits after they are dead because they have their checks sent to another country (where they moved to after retirement) and then the recipient’s family member continues to cash the SS check long after the recipient is dead. The article said it mostly happens in Mexico but other countries too. Anyway, glad to hear of an increase. Thanks. Dave from http://criminaldefense909.com group.
Dennis
If you are not 65 yet but collect social security will I get an increase in my social security
A.C.
Hi, Dennis. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2019. The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin in January 2019. If you have additional questions about your situation, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks.
James F.
on the letter that I received did not show a increase of the 2.8%, it is showing the same amount that I have been receiving from this year of $426.00, and with the 2.8 % it still shows $426.00. Would someone contact me by email of hotwest2001@yahoo.com or or by letter
James Furman
143 Starlight cir.
Tuscola Texas 79562
thanks
A.C.
Hi, James. 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. If you have additional questions about your situation, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks.