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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Peter N.
Can I please get a copy of my award letter, showing me how much money I will receive each month in 2019.
V.V.
Hi Peter. 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.
Linda T.
The wrong amount was direct deposited to our bank account on January 9, 201
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Linda. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your payment amount, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Pierre J.
What is the 2019 deduction for Medicare Advantage and how is it calculated?
V.V.
Hi Pierre, thank you for your question. If you’re asking about Medicare Part B, the 2019 monthly premium is $135.50.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies and approved by Medicare. These plans generally help you pay the medical costs not covered by Medicare Part A and B.
For Medicare questions and additional information, go to http://www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY 1-877-486-2048.
CHARLES J.
i have received 2 cds from ssa the last 2 months. However I have previously told ssa to send me hard copies because i do not have access to a computer to read it. Can u please send me these hard copy or email!
A.C.
Hi, Charles. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to work with their local Social Security office with specific questions on their case. Thanks.
Samantha E.
My right to monthly payments will still continue if still disabled and average earnings are not over “how much?” per month beginning January 2019? It was $1170 for 2017, etc. I am on ssdi and will receive 925 per month as of 2019.
Thank you.
Timothy W.
can I get a quick copy of the most recent award letter from Soc Sec which I need for my Medicare and is requested from the Dept of children and Families
my SS # is *** – ** – *** timothy j Williams DOB 11/20/68
please advise ASAP
A.C.
Hi, Timothy. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account online. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Facebook community contact their local office. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Robert B.
Please explain why I received no cost of living in social security for 2019?
A.C.
Hi, Robert. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask members in our Blog community to work with their local Social Security office for specific questions about their case. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further guidance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Thanks.
William O.
how much of my increase from Soc. Sec. will my assisted living legally take?.State of Florida
Sheryl J.
I want to know How much earning limit of working?
$1,170 – 2017
$1,180 – 2018
? – 2019
Let me know.
Thank you,
Sheryl Koch
V.V.
Hi Sheryl, thank you for using our blog. To see all of the 2019 Social Security changes, check out the 2019 Factsheet.
Edward K.
When will I receive my 2019 SSA letter indicating my Medicare Part B premium reimbursement?
V.V.
Hi Edward. Most beneficiaries can check out their COLA notice in the Message Center of their my Social Security account. Social Security also mailed the COLA notices in December. For more details, check out our Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information web page.