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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Ellen a.
What’s the cola for 2020
L.A.
Hi Ellen. Normally, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the following year is announced sometime in October. To know what is new with Social Security, you can subscribe to our Press Office announcements and press releases here. We hope this helps.
Irina M.
None of it explains why I have not received my check. It used to be punctual. What gives?
Rosalind B.
Pls forward me a copy of my awards letter for 2018 & 2019…..brown.roz@sbcglobal.net Thank you Rosalind Brown
L.A.
Hi Rosalind. 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 online. You can also go to your local Social Security office to get a copy of the benefits verification letter. We hope this helps.
Barbara J.
Ssdi back pay does everyone get it
george h.
still working paying social security, any change in payments
Lucilla S.
Very,very insufficient explanation ! when” what the date for the misery 2.8 % in 2019 !!!!!?????
Jane E.
How do I print an award letter? Thanks
L.A.
Hi Jane. Good news! You can view, print, and save your benefit verification (award) letter using your my Social Security account, for instructions on how to do it visit here. You can also call us at our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Jack R.
I need a copy of my 2019 Social Security Benefits Amount
A.C.
Hi, Jack. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. 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 after later in the day. We hope this helps.
Arline K.
If I sell my house, will that affect my benefits I receive since I am 62, and the amount I will make is far greater than $17,000?
Karen W.
I am looking for the form for SS deductions to be taken out of my social security check.