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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Cost of living adjustment, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Deneshia D.
I need my kids awards letters for 2019
Lesly F.
i am elderly i need to nkow if i’m quialify for any ssa benefits
A.C.
Hi, Lesly. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Mohsen k.
I do not believe any of this because I personally did not receive any increase for years , even the standard of living
increase , pay , I think I was ripped off every year.
I need help from any responsible that would happen to read this
E-MAIL// mosen.kerr21@yahoo.com
Janet
Every time we get a COLA increase…. we do not get it in our checks…. the increase just goes to the MEDICARE Dept. …. the money I have to pay my bills from social security has not changed is 8 years!!!!! We never get an increase, it is a Medicare increase not a “COLA” and they should call it that.
Cynthia J.
I am 71. Some of friends tell me they do not have to file income tax. Why do I?
robert a.
Need a little help here.
I’m 67 yo and the benefit amount is 2,365.00
My wife is approaching 66 to collect that same amount. Using todays’ SS benefit at 71 yo, what would that payout be? There’s a possibility she may
not take it until 68-thinks she doesn’t need it. If ishe
took it then, how many dollars would she have sacrificed by waiting til 68. I say 2,365.00 x 3 = 85,140.00. I think I’m on the right track. Please
let me know. Thanks/Rob Rubilla
Charleen
Can I receive SS benefits?
Divorced 3/20/2019
Still working…..69 years old female
X husband……62 years old is still working
I would like to leave my SS account alone until I am age 70 and I would like to claim SS off of my X’s account.
WILLIAM S.
CAN I GET A COPY OF WHAT MY MONTHLY SS PAYMENTS WILL BE?
A.C.
Hi, William. Good news! If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Les D.
I was only able to save $36,000. when I was forced to retire at age 62 due to recession at that time. No company will hire a 72 year old man. My Social Security benefit is not enough to live on as of this date and I do not have the mind set to move into a organized retirement home. I was employed for 43 years and was able to provide for myself with no help from Govt/Charity.
Why must I suffer now. Why no government help or at least an employment option.
A.C.
Hi, Les. We are sorry to hear about your situation. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
karen s.
i’m trying to find the disability/social security benefit calendar for 2019 showing when payment is paideach month
A.C.
Hi, Karen. You can find the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments here. We hope this helps!