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.