Ask Larry

Cost Of Living Increases

How Much Was The SSI COLA For February 2019?

What cola for ssi for february 2019

Hi,

The 2019 cost of living increase (COLA) for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the same as the Social Security COLA, or 2.8%. That increase was added to SSI benefits starting with the payments due on January 1 2019, although those payments were issued a day early due to the holiday. There was no additional COLA increase in February 2019, nor will there be until at least January 2020.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Monday, March 4, 2019 - 09:26

Should I Start Drawing Benefits Sooner To Take Advantage Of The 2.8% COLA?

I used your software to determine my current filing plan. However, there is now the twist of the just announced COLA tossed into the mix. I turn 70 in May 2019. Would it be advantageous start in December and forgo the 3.67% but with the compounding of the announced COLA of 2.8%, it seems that it would come to just over the 32% increase I am currently waiting for AND get an extra 5 months of benefits?

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 09:27

Can You Provide Documentation Of What's Written In Your Book Regarding DRCs & COLAs?

Larry,
Can you provide documentation on DRC computation explained on page 309 of my copy of your book.
It states that I am entitles to my PIA plus 32% plus COLA.
I just turned 70 in July, had not taken a benefit, applied and was told there was no COLA by an agent in Baltimore that handled my request for benefits. I receive my first check next week for $3540 with no COLA added.
Please help if you can.
Thanks in advance,
James

Hi James,

Posted: 
Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - 14:02

Will My Ex-Wife's Future Divorced Spousal Benefits Be Calculated Based On My Current PIA Or My Future PIA?

Hi Larry.
I just turned 66 and signed up for divorced spouse benefits, DOB 8-52. My ex wife is 64 and collecting SSDI at a amount less than 50% of my age 66 PIA.
My question is: Will my age 66 PIA increase with the end of year cost of living increases so that my ex wife's age 66 divorced spousal benefit be taken from my larger 2 year old PIA . Or does my age 66 PIA stay the same as it is now for her. I would guess it would continue to grow for her benefit amount. Thank you for you answer.

Hi,

Posted: 
Sunday, July 29, 2018 - 16:04

Will My Spousal Benefit Include The COLA That Was Given This Year?

My husband collects SS. I will be 66 in Sept and want to take spousal benefits. I know I will get 50% of his PIA, but does that include COLA's that were given this year? I know it does not include DRC's that my husband receives. Thanks you all your help

Hi,

Yes, your spousal rate will include the most recent COLA increase.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Saturday, February 17, 2018 - 09:54

Does My PIA Change With COLAs?

Does PIA Change with COLA? My wife is two years younger than me. My income is higher than hers. My understanding (to this point) is that my PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) is the amount of my benefit I would receive at FRA (Full Retirement Age), which for me is at age 66.5 years. At my FRA, my wife will be 64 years and 9 months of age. Let's assume my PIA at my FRA is $2,000 per month and that I begin collecting my benefit at that time. Let's also assume my wife will file for SS benefits at her FRA, thus incurring no reduction for filing too early. .

Posted: 
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 - 09:54
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