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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Lee A.
If you don’t live in the US you can’t create an account . Help !
Barbara L.
My husband received two letters from Social Security dated October 22, 2025, about the amount he will receive in January 20 26. Wh
One letter isthe regular amount plus the increase and the other letter states that he will only be receiving very little each month not quite understanding.
Patti
But part B is raised as well. So that takes the raise. Always happens
Kevin j.
Thank you for supporting the American People & keeping your word..
Samuel D.
Amen
philip s.
still far behind cola
find out which party gives the best cola raises
obama gave a 1% raise in the final year of his term. trump on his first 2 years gave 2.6 ,% and now 2.8 %
John F.
unable to sign in to my SSA account using ANY METHOD. Last year was fine, but you changed things AGAIN and now nothing works. Just wasted almost an hour and got NOTHING. What a ridiculous waste of time for NO REASON.
Roberta P.
In this time of outrageous costs to live
what kind of a dent will 56. a month bring ? Not even a bag of groceries!
Especially if you are buying meats it is just awful!
l
Alden C.
Amen Roberta, I totally agree! They know the cost of living is a hell of lot larger than 2.8%. But they have changed the formula for us “seniors” because they consider us second class citizens with no valuable contributions or assets to society. Their overall opinion of us equals ” let them eat dog or cat food!
Deb C.
I can’t afford dog food!
Michael S.
The COLA does not even cover 1/3 of my Medicare increase, forget living expenses and other necessities. When will the COLA reflect the real increase of the cost of living.
Lisa
Great! Prices are up 15-20% on EVERYTHING, thanks to cadaver Joe, and we get a whopping 2.8% increase!
Chuck
Why do you not show also what the new Medicare rate is to let me know whether I really got a net increase or decrease.
David D.
Soo, they are screwing us again….
Harold r.
Physical document s only
Harold s.
Physical documents only…!