WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Social Security Administration announced Friday that benefits for more than 75 million Americans will increase by 2.8% in 2026.
The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, means the average Social Security retirement payment will rise by about $56 per month beginning in January. Payments to approximately 7.5 million Supplemental Security Income recipients will reflect the increase starting December 31, 2025.
This year’s adjustment follows a 2.5% increase in 2025. Over the past decade, COLA changes have averaged about 3.1%.
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano.
Other annual changes will also take effect in January, including an increase in the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax, which will rise to $184,500 from $176,100.
The agency will begin notifying recipients of their new benefit amounts in early December. Individuals with a my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, while others will receive mailed letters.
The Social Security Act ties annual adjustments to inflation, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers as measured by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
More information is available at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and www.medicare.gov.
