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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Maria E.
Thanks you
Rachelle G.
In my estimation, blog.ssa.gov does a good job of dealing with issues of this type! While sometimes deliberately controversial, the information is in the main well researched and stimulating.
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Maria E.
Thanks you social maria elpidoforos
Cleola b.
Cleola’s benefits for 2019
Linda J.
My husband and I did not get an increase in social security this year Why?
A.C.
Hi, Linda. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that you contact your local office or you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope this is resolved soon.
Velda B.
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Catina C.
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Monica S.
Have not received my social security check which has always been received on 4th wed. of each month. what happened?
A.C.
Hi, Monica. Please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine why your direct deposit failed. If you still need to report a late, missing or stolen Social Security payment, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Patricia S.
Your system has an error. Please fix it. When 1st is holiday and payment made on Friday 28th the system counts the January payment as resource of December and can kick someone out of benefit system for being over 2000 then deny them a January payment though they already got it. They lose income Medicaid etc because system counts it twice delivers it once and denies delivery once. But it makes the decision on the 4th with first data not including funds spent for rent utilities food etc, by recipient reducing Fix this glitch in system accounting and don’t you allow for medical transport and burial funds any more?
Louann G.
I haven’t got cost of living in about 5 years with every thing going up and I am getting the same amount of money. No money for glasses and denturesand other thing.It bring you down and you can’t see your way or thefuture. I think everyone should get a raise and not punished.
Grace L.
1/14/2019
I have repeatedly asked to receive the Notice to be mailed 12/31/2018 advising me of the 2.8% increase we are scheduled to receive Late this Month -January 2019. I live at Mitchell Place Senior Residence in Federal Way, WA and many of the 50 Tenants here have already received their Notices. I have not. Please send it to me. Thank you. Grace L. Raleigh
A.C.
Hi, Grace. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account online. 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 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or you can contact your local Social Security office. Just as a reminder-please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks.
ELEANOR D.
I WAS PUTTING IN THE WRONG PASSWORD I’M TRYING TO GET A AWARD LETTER THANK YOU
Gail W.
I was wondering why I didn’t receive a raise in my Social Security check?