The Social Security Administration (SSA) will announce a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 on October 24, 2025. This increase will benefit more than 75 million Americans, including retirees, disabled workers, spouses, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. The adjustment ensures benefits keep pace with inflation, with higher payments beginning in January 2026 and SSI recipients receiving their boosted payments on December 31, 2025.
Announcement and Effective Dates
- COLA Announcement Date: October 24, 2025 – following the release of third-quarter inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Effective Date:
- Social Security beneficiaries: January 2026.
- SSI recipients: December 31, 2025.
- Beneficiaries will receive official COLA notification letters by mail in late November 2025 or can view updates online through their mySocialSecurity account.
Impact of the 2.8% COLA Increase
The 2.8% cost-of-living boost will provide an average monthly benefit increase of approximately $54–$56 for retired workers. For example, the average monthly retirement check will rise from around $2,008 to about $2,064 in 2026. However, some of this increase may be offset by higher Medicare Part B premiums, which are projected to rise to about $206.50 per month. The actual benefit increase will vary depending on the individual’s benefit amount, dependents, and any deductions.
How COLA Is Calculated
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), using data from July, August, and September of the previous year. The 2.8% adjustment for 2026 reflects inflationary trends in essential goods and services, and it is slightly higher than the 2.5% COLA applied in 2025.
Social Security COLA Timeline
| Year | COLA Increase | Announcement Date | Higher Payments Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.5% | October 12, 2024 | January 2025 |
| 2026 | 2.8% | October 24, 2025 | January 2026 (SSI: December 31, 2025) |
FAQs
Q: When will I receive my higher Social Security check?
A: The first increased payments will arrive in January 2026. SSI beneficiaries will receive their increased deposit on December 31, 2025.
Q: How much more will I receive each month?
A: On average, retired workers will see about $54–$56 more per month. Actual increases vary by benefit level and deductions.
Q: How can I view my new payment amount?
A: You can check your new COLA amount in your mySocialSecurity account or through mailed notices arriving in late November or December 2025.
The 2026 Social Security COLA ensures that benefits keep up with rising living costs, offering crucial financial relief to retirees and SSI recipients. With a 2.8% increase taking effect in early 2026, millions of Americans will see meaningful adjustments to their monthly payments.
