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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Elizabeth A.
I need a reward letter mailed to me for financial help
Henry n.
proof of income letter
Henry n.
Need a copy of my reward letter for this year
V.V.
Hi Henry, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.
Aaron j.
How I get a reward letter updated. 13042 e 16th Street Apt D zip 74108 my name Aaron jones
V.V.
Hi Aaron, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.
Claudia V.
I need an award letter from 2019
V.V.
Hi Claudia, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.
Teresa N.
Hi This is Teresa Nash. I need a copy of my Awards Letter. Thank You!
A.C.
Hi, Teresa. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by creating a personal my Social Security account online. We hope this helps.
jaimelle j.
How long will your office be closed for people who have no online service and certain needs met in person. The Covid19 is one thing but we do still need contact with SSA to update our status and to be aware of any changes that are above to occur.
V.V.
Hi Jaimelle, thanks for using our blog. Our offices remain closed to the public for face-to-face service. We are still able to provide critical services via phone, fax and online. For more information and to subscribe for updates, visit here. Thanks!
Donna c.
How do I get verification of my social security income for my fuel assistance prigram. I got a letter from them last week and they want this immediately my name is Donna HALLOWELL I live @ 6 Elcona Dr., Keene, NH 03431 my Social Security number is XXXXXXXXX and my email is carl_donna2002@yahoo.com. Could you please tell me what I need to do to get this information. I need it ASAP or I will not have any fuel assistance this winter. Are you able to email this to me. At the very least send me an income verification letter as soon as possible thank you very much for your time in this matter
V.V.
Hi Donna, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.
Ola m.
I need a copy of a rewards letter for Ola m Daniels and my daughter Keirra k Daniels sent to 206 East Robinson street adel ga 31620.
V.V.
Hi Ola, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.
Olivia C.
I am currently on SSDI and was wondering if I am able to attend training with online classes for a new skill/training. I can’t afford to lose my benefits, so I wanted to make sure that would not happen
V.V.
Hello Olivia, thanks for using our blog. If you get disability benefits, we have good news for you. Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work programs can help you if you’re working or interested in working. The Ticket to Work program provides Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to work with access to free employment support services. Please check it out!