Social Security and SSI payments will increase by 2.8% in 2026. Learn who will receive how much and how the new changes will affect your income.
Social Security Benefits Increase in 2026
The US Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8% increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits starting in 2026.
Approximately 75 million Americans will benefit. On average, retirement beneficiaries will receive approximately $56 more per month, effective January 2026.
What is COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment)?
This increase is made under the COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment), which is determined annually based on inflation. The average COLA over the past decade has been approximately 3.1%.
The COLA in 2025 was 2.5%, while it increases to 2.8% in 2026.
New Dates for SSI Recipients
Approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin receiving the increased amount starting December 31, 2025.
Many people who receive both Social Security and SSI will also benefit from this increase.
Statement from the SSA Commissioner
Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said
“Social Security is a promise we made to our citizens.
Annual COLA increases ensure that benefits reflect today’s economic conditions and provide people with a foundation of security.”
Changes to the Taxable Maximum
As with every year, some other adjustments will also apply, based on increases in average wages.
The Social Security Taxable Income limit will increase from $176,100 to $184,500 in 2026.
This means that higher income earners will face slightly higher taxes.
How to find out the new benefit amount?
The SSA will begin mailing notifications to all recipients in early December.
Those with a “my Social Security” online account will be able to view their COLA notice online, securely, and quickly.
Note: To view your COLA notice online, you must create a “my Social Security” account by November 19, 2025. To do so, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount
When will Medicare information be available?
Information about Medicare changes will be available on www.medicare.gov by the end of November. Those enrolled in Medicare along with Social Security will be able to see their new benefit amount in the Message Center under my Social Security.
How is the COLA determined?
The COLA is calculated according to the Social Security Act. The rate depends on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which is determined by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Social Security Sola Increase 2026 Highlights
| Description | Information |
|---|---|
| Increase Percentage | 2.8% |
| Effective Date | January 2026 |
| Average Monthly Increase | Approximately $56 |
| SSI Payments Begin | December 31, 2025 |
| Taxable Income Limit | $184,500 |
| Account Viewing Deadline | November 19, 2025 |
How much will Social Security increase in 2026?
Social Security and SSI payments will be increased by 2.8% in 2026.
How is the Social Security COLA determined?
This increase is decided on the basis of changes in CPI-W (Consumer Price Index).
A 2.8% increase in Social Security and SSI benefits through 2026 brings relief to the elderly and those in need. This move is a significant effort to maintain economic stability amid rising inflation.