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The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing benefits for about 75 million Americans who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

This means the average retiree will get about $56 more per month starting in January 2026.

Who Gets the Increase and When

Social Security beneficiaries: Will see their 2.8% increase in January 2026
SSI recipients: Will receive their higher payments beginning December 31, 2025
Some people receive both and may see the adjustment across both programs

Don't miss:

Maximum taxable earnings (OASDI): increases from $176,100 (2025) to $184,500 (2026)
Quarter of coverage: rises from $1,810 to $1,890
Earnings limit (under full retirement age): increases from $23,400/year ($1,950/month) to $24,480/year ($2,040/month)
Earnings limit (at full retirement age): increases from $62,160/year ($5,180/month) to $65,160/year ($5,430/month)
Substantial Gainful Activity (non-blind): rises from $1,620/month to $1,690/month
Substantial Gainful Activity (blind): rises from $2,700/month to $2,830/month
SSI Federal Payment (individual): increases from $967/month to $994/month
SSI Federal Payment (couple): increases from $1,450/month to $1,491/month
Maximum monthly Social Security benefit (worker retiring at full retirement age): increases from $4,018 to $4,152

SSA will mail benefit increase notices starting early December 2025.
Those with a my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online faster and opt out of paper mail by November 19, 2025.
You can also set up text or email alerts at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Medicare premium details for 2026 will be available later this year at medicare.gov and through your Social Security Message Center.

For more details, visit the official Social Security COLA page: www.ssa.gov/cola

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