SSA Confirms 2.8% Social Security Benefit Increase for 2026
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% increase in Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for 2026. This adjustment will benefit approximately 75 million Americans.
Key Details of the 2026 Social Security Increase
Beginning in January 2026, the average Social Security retirement benefit will rise by about $56 per month. This marks a continuation of the annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) designed to keep pace with inflation.
Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments
- The average COLA over the past decade is approximately 3.1%.
- In 2025, the COLA was set at 2.5%.
- Nearly 71 million beneficiaries will receive the new 2.8% adjustment starting in January 2026.
- For SSI recipients, increased payments will first appear on December 31, 2025.
Some individuals may receive both Social Security and SSI benefits, further highlighting the importance of these adjustments.
Administration Remarks
Frank J. Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, emphasized that these annual adjustments fulfill the agency’s commitment to maintaining economic security for beneficiaries. “The COLA is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission,” he stated.
Additional Changes for 2026
In addition to the COLA, there are other significant adjustments scheduled for January. The maximum taxable earnings limit will increase to $184,500, up from $176,100.
Notifications and Online Access
- Beginning in early December, the Social Security Administration will notify recipients about their adjusted benefit amounts by mail.
- Beneficiaries with a personal my Social Security account can access their COLA notice online as early as late November.
- Creating a my Social Security account before November 19 is essential for those wishing to view their benefits electronically.
For further information regarding adjustments related to Medicare and other Social Security details, beneficiaries should visit the specified official websites. Ensuring that beneficiaries are prepared and informed is key to maximizing the benefits of these adjustments.
