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Social Security COLA Increase 2026: Key Takeaways
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Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8 percent in 2026 due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
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The increase applies to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Social Security recipients will receive the increase in January 2026, while SSI recipients will receive the increase on December 31, 2025.
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The average retired worker’s monthly Social Security benefit will increase by approximately $56, bringing the average benefit to about $2,064.
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The COLA helps offset inflation, but some beneficiaries may still struggle with rising expenses, including health care costs and Medicare premiums.
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The 2026 COLA is lower than some recent increases and may not fully reflect the expenses commonly faced by older Americans.
What Is the Social Security COLA Increase for 2026?
On October 24, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2026.
The increase applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security recipients. This includes retirees, spouses and survivors, as well as individuals who receive disability benefits.
The annual COLA adjusts Social Security payments based on inflation. The adjustment uses changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to help keep benefits aligned with rising costs.
According to the SSA’s fact sheet, nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will receive higher payments beginning in January 2026. Approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will receive increased payments starting December 31, 2025. Some individuals receive both SSI and Social Security benefits.
How Much Will Social Security Benefits Increase in 2026?
The 2026 Social Security COLA increase will raise monthly payments by 2.8 percent. While the percentage increase applies differently depending on each person’s benefit amount, the average retired worker will see an increase of approximately $56 per month.
| 2026 Social Security COLA Information | Details |
|---|---|
| COLA increase | 2.8 percent |
| Average retired worker increase | Approximately $56 per month |
| Average retired worker benefit | About $2,064 per month |
| Social Security increase begins | January 2026 |
| SSI increase begins | December 31, 2025 |
The 2.8 percent increase represents a modest rise compared with the 2.5 percent COLA increase for 2025.
When Will Social Security Recipients Receive the 2026 COLA Increase?
If you currently receive Social Security benefits, your January 2026 payment should include the 2.8 percent increase. However, your final payment amount may change due to deductions or other adjustments.
SSI recipients will see the increase beginning with their December 31, 2025, payment. The SSA will begin sending notices about updated benefit amounts in early December.
Individuals with a my Social Security account can also review their updated benefit information online.
Will the 2026 Social Security Increase Cover Rising Costs?
The Social Security COLA helps beneficiaries manage inflation. However, some seniors may find that the 2.8 percent increase does not fully cover rising costs.
Many older Americans continue to experience higher expenses related to:
- Health care
- Housing
- Prescription medications
- Long-term care
- Daily living expenses
Additionally, Medicare beneficiaries may see part of their Social Security payments used for Medicare Part B premiums. The 2026 Medicare Part B premium has not yet been announced. However, any increase could reduce the amount of money seniors have available for other expenses.
How Does the 2026 COLA Compare to Previous Years?
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment is considered modest compared with some previous years when inflation resulted in larger increases. Over the past decade, the average Social Security COLA has been approximately 3.1 percent.
However, the CPI-W does not always reflect the expenses older Americans experience most often. For example, many seniors have higher health care and long-term care costs than younger Americans. These expenses can increase faster than general inflation.
How Can Seniors Prepare for Changes to Social Security Benefits?
Although Social Security increases can provide additional income, seniors should consider their overall financial and estate planning goals.
Important areas to review may include:
- Monthly income and expenses
- Health care planning
- Medicare costs
- Long-term care planning
- Asset protection strategies
Working with an experienced attorney can help seniors and families understand their options when planning for future financial and care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Social Security COLA
How much is the Social Security increase for 2026?
Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8 percent in 2026. The average retired worker will receive approximately $56 more per month.
When does the 2026 Social Security increase start?
Social Security recipients will receive the increase beginning in January 2026. SSI recipients will receive the increase starting December 31, 2025.
Will Medicare premiums affect the Social Security increase?
Yes. Medicare Part B premiums are deducted from many Social Security payments. Any increase in Medicare premiums may reduce the amount of additional income beneficiaries receive.
Additional Reading
For additional reading on topics related to Social Security benefits, check out the following articles:
