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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Ronald J.
Please send me link to get to the 2019 Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2019.
Tried the search for this on the Social Security site, and
nothing launched when I clicked on it.
Linda H.
Why didn’t I get an increase in my social security check like everyone I know did? ? How do I get this straightened out ? I need my little raise as good as anyone else does. He cost me to live, like anyone else has to live.
Harold C.
What day of the month can I expect to receive my SS benefit? Can I get a calendar schedule for the year?
V.V.
Hi Harold, thank you for using our blog. Both the 2019 and 2020 Schedule of Social Security Payments calendars are available online.
Lakeesha L.
blog.ssa.gov is solid, well-researched content. I just passed this on 6/9/2019 to a classmate who has been involved in a little research of her own on the topic. To show his appreciation, he just bought me lunch! So, I should probably say: Cheers for the drink!
http://www.abcagency.se/75657
Dante M.
6/13/2019 In my opinion, blog.ssa.gov does a good job of handling subject matter of this type. Even if often intentionally controversial, the information is more often than not well-written and challenging.
http://swish.st/81531
Freda M.
Need an Award Letter for 2019 mailed to me at 144 Parkview Ave. Bangor, Maine 04401
A.C.
Hi, Freda. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. You can also contact or visit your local Social Security office. They can assist with a replacement 1099. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
sharon k.
How much social security benefits caps me out from help in paying my Part B benefit? Who do I contact in regards to that?
A.C.
Hi, Sharon. You may be eligible to receive assistance from the state where you live. Medicare enrollees who have limited income and resources may get help paying for their premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). Please call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 for more information. We hope this information is helpful.
diane c.
i just waited on phone 30 mins. got disconnected. grr i need a copy of my 2019 benefit statement showing mo. fee
Marilyn B.
I really don’t know how to open an account,where are the instructions. marilynburriesci@yahoo.com
A.C.
Hi, Marilyn. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, 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
•Contact your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks.
Dominic G.
i dont understand what ,,,affects means,,,,,it say,,,income you receive in january affescts your payment for march 2019,,,,,,,,i never receive any income at allDD
Donald l.
Donald savage needs a award letters 2 to get ambulance help flights from mercymedicalangle.org n probably another one for new choice waver government mandate passed in 1981 for people who are in nursing homes rentals 3000.oo$$$ plus a month need paper ASAP march 26th is my flight to LAX on a redo back surg dr shami at UCLA spine center n new choice waver deadline is march 14th for assisted living clients over 365 days self payed I have 20 months n r broke co-pays part d maxed cc 9000.00$$thank you ssdi client with abd needs award letter bad n no transportation out here n sw Utah last 6 digets 25 3063
A.C.
Hi, Donald. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to your 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. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Facebook community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps.
Sharron B.
i need my 2019 award letter my SS#
A.C.
Hi, Sharron. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. You can also contact or visit your local office. They can assist with a replacement 1099. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.