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
There was absolutely no way it’s 2.8%. You people are a bunch of Thieves and Liars
Jeffery S.
How much are they gonna jack up Medicare?
Delma B.
Heck, our checks should double instead of 2.6. @ $56.00 increase that’s a joke & a slap in the face.Might as well keep it .. We paid for it all & the government give it to everyone but us.
rocky s.
well-stated, ma’am. Such a shame- one wonders how those responsibe can sleep well at night.
Cary
It’s pretty sad that we get an increase which they call Cost of Living of 2.8% but yet are deductible and Medicare premium goes up 3%, how is that it cost of living increase for Social Security recipients that does not make sense we should get a 2.8 increase on top of the increases in Medicare premium and deductibles.
Tee A.
People this is nothing compared to how much Medicare is going up! Higher premiums, co pays and deductibles. If you have ongoing health problems, you don’t stand a chance that your COLA increase will even help!
Don’t believe me? Look it up!
Edward J.
2.8% increase in Social Security has been approved. I calculated mine and with the increase in part B I will get a $24 increase in my January payment. I really don’t know what I’m gonna do with the $24. It won’t fill my truck up with gas and unless those in DC stop taxes on SS i’ll probably have to pay more and get lesse j
Roy A.
Thanks for the cola update news.
Veronica L.
SSA is not answering the local 866 phone number or the national 800-772 number AT ALL! Both say “Sorry I didn’t understand” and hang up. I’ve received SSI twice before and these incompetent, negligent government criminals can’t even look through their own files for my determination. They rejected the first application, sat on my appeal for over a month, now the Disability Determination Office has had my case since Sept. 4 without assigning it yet, they’re backlogged to August 2024, the gentleman answering the Disability Determination Services phone said. I see online ads this 916- California office is hiring though so good riddance to this government SH*T!
Rodney W.
Cola is going up 2.8 %and medicare is going up 11.7% prescription plans are going up 10% so senior citizens are going backwards in income. They need to raise the low income level so senior citizens are able to get Medicaid and help with their Medicare premiums . The politicians don’t give a damn about senior citizens. They make lot of money to do nothing. The White House retirement home don’t have to worry about the cost of living.
Hosea W.
I would to see a better way to get into my account dime.gov. I have been trying for 5years and have not succeeded. I am 84 years old and the instructions have not been clear enough to provide the requirements needed to get into my account or other agencies like OPM.