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 2021, Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 1.3%. This means that more than 70 million Americans will see a change in their benefit payments.
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. In order to receive the 2021 COLA notice online, you must create an account by November 18, 2020.
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. 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.
In December 2020, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the message center of their my Social Security account. Remember, you'll still receive your notice in the mail, but you can also choose to receive COLA notices online through your my Social Security 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 2021 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, sign up for text messaging and follow us on social media to stay updated on the program and discover resources designed to help you succeed on the path to work.
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or 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.
Opt in to receive information about the Ticket Program via text. Text the word "TICKET" to 474747
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