2026 Social Security Increase: Benefits to Rise 2.8 Percent
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for about 75 million Americans will increase by 2.8 percent in 2026. For the average retiree, that means about $56 more per month starting in January.
This Social Security benefit increase helps retirees and SSI recipients keep up with rising costs and inflation. Over the past decade, cost-of-living adjustments, known as COLA, have averaged around 3.1 percent, with a 2.5 percent increase in 2025.
What the 2026 Increase Means for Retirees
Beginning in January 2026, nearly 71 million people receiving Social Security benefits will see the 2.8 percent adjustment reflected in their monthly payments. About 7.5 million people who receive SSI will notice their payment updates starting on December 31, 2025. Some recipients receive both Social Security and SSI, and their changes will appear on the same schedule.
According to Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, this increase is part of the agency’s ongoing effort to ensure benefits reflect current economic realities. The 2026 Social Security increase reinforces the program’s goal of providing consistent income and long-term financial security for older Americans.
Why Social Security Benefits Are Going Up in 2026
Each year, Social Security adjustments are tied to inflation and average wage growth. The upcoming cost-of-living increase for 2026 reflects rising prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
In addition to the COLA, other changes take effect each January. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax will increase from $176,100 to $184,500 in 2026. This adjustment ensures the tax system keeps pace with wage growth.
When You’ll Receive Your Updated Benefit Notice
Starting in early December, Social Security will begin notifying beneficiaries about their updated payment amounts. Those who have a personal my Social Security account can check their notice online, which is faster and more secure than waiting for a mailed letter.
You can also set up text or email alerts to be notified when new information such as your COLA notice becomes available. To view your 2026 benefit details online, make sure your personal account is created before November 19.
Medicare and the 2026 Social Security Increase
Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be released later this year. For people enrolled in both Social Security and Medicare, updated benefit details reflecting the Social Security payment increase will appear in their Message Center in late November. Those without online access will receive their notice by mail in December.
How the 2026 Increase Is Calculated
The 2026 Social Security increase is determined by the Social Security Act, which ties annual adjustments to changes in the CPI-W. This index tracks the cost of common goods and services and is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The annual COLA ensures benefits keep pace with inflation so that retirees maintain their purchasing power over time.
Next Steps for Recipients
If you receive Social Security or SSI, take a few minutes to make sure your contact information is up to date. Create or log into your my Social Security account before November 19 so you can view your notice as soon as it’s available. Understanding how the 2026 Social Security increase affects your benefits will help you plan for next year and manage your retirement income more effectively.