Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 24, 2025
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1 percent. The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025.
Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some recipients receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”
Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.
Social Security begins notifying recipients about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Those who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. You can set up text or email alerts when a new message–such as your COLA notice–is available in your my Social Security account.
You will need to have a personal my Social Security account by November 19 to see your COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2026 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security’s Message Center starting in late November. Those who do not have an online my Social Security account will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can find more information about the 2026 COLA here.
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James S.
Thank you for social security. Without it I would be dead. Thanks from top to the bottom of my heart!…
Mary J.
But Medicare deductions are also increasing… so maybe a 5 cent raise
Frank
The core inflation rate is 3% excluding gas which is 4.1%. Why COLA is 2.8%?
Susan
This is ridiculous. Nesera is coming for everyone. Don’t let them screw you. You earned every penny
Gary G.
I wish you would leave the tone of self-congratulation and “promises kept” rhetoric out of your announcements when all that you are doing (as buried in the final paragraph of the announcement) is complying with the legal requirements of the Social Security Act. Thanks!
Lisa H.
Thank you for all you do.
Laura G.
Make Congress subject to Social Security retirement instead of their retirement benefits with all the perks…. Think if they serve only a short time ( 2 days ? ) they get full retirement which means FULL SALARY for life – or , maybe its two terms … anyways, their spouse also gets it if widowed or widower …. guarantee you that Social Security would get fixed. Medicare premium going up $21 this year for Part B …. so, 2.8% less $21 …. also, Part Do Drug Plan can be increased depending on your situation …. last year, my Social Security pension decreased by $8 PER MONTH…. and I was only getting a generic diuretic monthly for which my plan covered zero $-0-….. go figure…. no telling what will happen this year.
Sandra
With the huge increase on homeowners insurance alone, this doesn’t even begin to cover it! Mine went up $50 a month and I have a modest home in Illinois. Then add the increase to Medicare premiums and the cost of groceries, 2.8% doesn’t come close. I’m just further behind.
Pamela F.
Does that mean we want get a copy of the raise in the mail?
Diane
$25 Cola for me and rent goes up 30%! Laughable!