COLA

Social Security Benefits to Increase in 2019

October 11, 2018 • By

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Last Updated: November 3, 2023

man and woman on balcony outside smiling 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. ken d.

    i received my ss cost of living but my snap was reduced by an almost similer amount . dosnt make much sense! s im still well below the poverty level !

  2. Lorraine L.

    I misplaced or lost my award letter I received in December 2018 for 2019 I need it for purpose of receiving financial help for medical bills.How can I get a replacement (Social Security)

    • V.V.

      Hi Lorraine. Most beneficiaries can check out their COLA notice in the Message Center of their my Social Security account.

      If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or you can contact your local Social Security office.

  3. Michelle J.

    I received my social security benefits for January 2019 and did not receive any increase in my cost of living for my disability for my social security monthly payment. What can be done to correct this situation as I am low-income and anything is so very grateful by myself.

    As I have mentioned, I am and have been disabaled since I was very young with rheumatoid arthritis.. In addition, I also have severe bad breast cancer.

    Please help me, my phone # is 480-982-2525. My address is 10971 E. Secret Mine CT. Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

    Please get back to me ASAP, as I am so very broke!!!

    Thankyou very much,
    Michelle J. Kane
    Born 09/08/1961
    S.S.# *** – ** – ***

    • V.V.

      Hi Michelle, 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.

      You may be able to get help from your State with other Medicare costs under the Medicare Savings Programs. By completing an Extra Help application online, you will start your application process for a Medicare Savings Program. We will send information to your State who will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program unless you tell us not to when you complete the application.

      If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Prescription Drug plans or how to enroll in a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. You also can request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP). The SHIP offers help with your Medicare questions.

  4. Sima A.

    I have not received my “New Benefit Amount.” statement.
    My husband received his over a week ago.

    Thank you, Sima Bayless dandsbayless@aol.com

  5. Sheila T.

    I have not received notification fir 2019 as benefits or Medicare deductions. Can you help me?

  6. Linda D.

    Why was my raise so low and everyone i know got a 40.00 raise why mine was only 19.00 and only 3.00 was ehat i get and 18.00 went to medicare

    • 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.

  7. Yesenia V.

    I never got my full money yet

    • R.F.

      Hello Yesenia. 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!

  8. Luciano M.

    Why did my wife not receive the COLA increase?

    • R.F.

      Hello Luciano. 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 your wife with an explanation.
      Your wife can 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!

  9. David B.

    did not receive my Jan. 2019 SS statement. please provide Phone # or confirm statement will b forwarded. David barlin xxx-xx-xxxx

  10. Barbara K.

    How do I find out what my new payment will be in 2019? I did not receive a paper notice. Thank you.

    • K.O.

      Hello Barbara. Thanks for your question. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices for 2019 are being mailed this month, so please continue to look out for it in the mail. Social Security cost-of-living notices will also be available online to most beneficiaries this month in the Message Center of their personal my Social Security account. More information can be found on our Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information webpage. We hope this information is helpful.

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