It’s Official – 2026 Social Security COLA Announced

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026.

The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.)

The 2026 COLA will add about $56 to the?average monthly benefit?for a retired worker?, from $2,015 to $2,071, according to SSA estimates. The average monthly survivor benefit would inch up by about $52. The COLA is meant to make up for changes in inflation. In the current uncertain economic situation, with tariffs and other factors like insurance and the cost of electricity, some experts feel the increase will not be enough to help recipients maintain their current standard of living. 

Read more about the Social Security Cost-of-Living adjustment for 2026.

Cost of Living Notices Go Out in Nov.

Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices will be sent to retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees sometime in November.

Take action by November 19 to view your new benefit amount online

Starting in late November, you may be able to securely view and save your Social Security COLA notice within your personal my Social Security account.

Earning Limitations

The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $184,500.

The earnings limit for workers who are younger than full retirement age (see Full Retirement Age Chart) will increase to $24,480. (SSA deducts $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $24,480.)

The earnings limit for people reaching their full retirement age in 2026 will increase to $65,160. (They deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $65,160 until the month the worker turns full retirement age.)

There is no limit on earnings for workers who are full retirement age or older for the entire year.