The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a record-breaking cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2023. Monthly benefits will increase an astonishing 8.7 percent, the largest since 1981. Last year’s COLA increase was also a record-breaker at 5.9 percent.

The monthly SSI benefit rate will increase $73, from $841 to $914, compared to last year’s $47 increase. The SSI rate for couples will increase from $1,261 to $1,371. The SSI resource limits remain unchanged at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. The New York State supplement (SSP) will continue at $87 for individuals and $104 for couples living alone; the living with others supplements remain at $23 and $46, respectively. We will post the 2023 New York State SSI benefit chart when it becomes available.

Social Security’s disability thresholds are also increasing. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for Non-Blind workers will increase from $1,350 to $1,470 per month. The SGA for Blind workers increases from $2,260 to $2,460 per month. The Trial Work Period (TWP) threshold increases from $970 to $1,050 per month, and the Quarter of Coverage amount will increase to $1,640. The maximum taxable earnings for OASDI (old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) purposes will increase to $160,200 for 2023.

There is more good news for Medicare recipients. The Medicare Part B premium rate will decrease, from $170.10 in 2022 to $164.90 in 2023. Specific information about 2023 Medicare changes is available at www.medicare.gov.

These changes will take effect in January 2023, except for SSI recipients, who normally receive their benefits on the first of the month. Because January 1, 2023, is both a holiday and a weekend, they will receive their benefits two days early, on December 30, 2022! See SSA’s Fact Sheet on 2023 Social Security Changes.