Social Security Benefits 2023 Guide—How To Sign Up Before Big COLA Increase

There are several ways to apply for Social Security benefits ahead of a big cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase by 8.7 percent in 2023, the Social Security Administration has announced.

It means the average Social Security recipient will receive more than $140 extra a month from January, according to the agency.

How To Apply

You can complete an application for retirement, spouse's, Medicare or disability benefits online.

Those who cannot submit an application online can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

While local Social Security offices are offering more in-person appointments and have resumed in-person services for those without appointments following COVID-related closures, the SSA continues to urge people to go online, call or schedule appointments in advance.

Those who live outside the U.S. can contact the Federal Benefits Unit that serves their county of residence.

Most existing Social Security recipients don't need to do anything to ensure they get the COLA, Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League, told Newsweek.

"One reminder: Let Social Security know right away if you need to change the bank account where you receive your Social Security checks," Johnson said.

She said that in late December, the SSA will mail recipients a letter that will include information about: the monthly benefit before deductions, deductions for the Medicare Part B premium, deductions for Part D or Medicare Advantage plan premiums if any, deductions for tax withholding if requested and the amount after deductions.

How To Check New Benefit Amount

But they can check that information online before that letter arrives by setting up a Social Security account by November 15.

That is "the fastest way to find out what your new benefit amount will be," Kilolo Kijakazi, the SSA's acting commissioner, said in a video message on October.

"In early December, login on your my Social Security account, and check the message center to see your new 2023 benefit amount. It's secure, it's easy, and you find out before the mail arrives. You can also opt to receive a text or email alert when there is a new message from us such as your cola notice, rather than receiving a letter in the mail."

The SSA has said that payments that include the COLA will go out to more than 65 million Social Security recipients from January, while increased payments to more than 7 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30.