To help people who receive benefits and payments keep up with the changing cost of living, Social Security beneficiaries often receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Each year Social Security bases the COLA on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
For 2019, Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 2.8%. This means that more than 67 million Americans will see a change to their cash payments.
Traditionally, Social Security sends COLA notices by mail, alerting people who receive cash payments of the new amount they'll receive in the coming year. For 2019 adjustments, Social Security will continue to send paper notices; however, you can also find out about your 2019 benefit amount sooner by signing into your my Social Security account.
My Social Security accounts are secure ways to verify and manage your benefits. By creating a free, personal account, you can check your Social Security Statement, change your address, report your wages and more.
If you don't have a my Social Security account, you can sign up for one today. Once you log in to your account, you can manage your notification preferences under "Message Center Preferences" to start receiving courtesy messages either in your email or as a text message.
Remember, you'll still receive your notice in the mail this month, but you can also choose to receive COLA notices online through your my Social Security account. Social Security will send a message to the Message Center inbox in your account and, if you've signed up for courtesy notifications, send you an email and/or text message to let you know you have a message waiting in your account.
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.
As you think about what the 2019 COLA means for you, you may have questions. Working with a Ticket program service provider, like an Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, that has a Benefits Counselor on staff may help you find the answers and information you're looking for.
The Ticket program shares information about Work Incentives and employment resources for people with disabilities on a regular basis. Subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media to stay updated on the program and discover resources designed to help you on the path to work.
To learn more about the Ticket program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool.
Find more COLA information for 2019 on Social Security's website:
Opt in to receive information about the Ticket Program via text. Text the word "TICKET" to 474747
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To keep up with the cost of living, Social Security reviews benefits each year and decides if there needs to be a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Learn about this year's 2.8% increase and discover how you can find out your new cash payment and benefits for 2019.