2026 Social Security COLA Benefits to Rise 2.8% to Keep Up With Inflation

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI),  will increase 2.8% in 2026.

For the average retiree, this means about $56 more per month starting in January 2026. SSI recipients will see their increased payments beginning December 31, 2025.

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2026 Social Security Updates

• Maximum taxable earnings (OASDI): $184,500 (up from $176,100 in 2025)

• Quarter of coverage: $1,890 (up from $1,810)

• Earnings limit (under full retirement age): $24,480/year ($2,040/month), up from $23,400/year ($1,950/month)

• Earnings limit (at full retirement age): $65,160/year ($5,430/month), up from $62,160/year ($5,180/month)

• Substantial Gainful Activity (non-blind): $1,690/month (up from $1,620)

• Substantial Gainful Activity (blind): $2,830/month (up from $2,700)

• SSI Federal Payment (individual): $994/month (up from $967)

• SSI Federal Payment (couple): $1,491/month (up from $1,450)

• Maximum monthly benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age: $4,152 (up from $4,018)

How to Check Your New Benefit

• SSA will mail COLA notices starting in early December 2025.

• My Social Security account holders can view notices online, set up text or email alerts, and manage benefits faster than by mail: www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

• To receive notices online, create or sign in to your account and opt out of paper mail by November 19, 2025.

Medicare Updates

Medicare premiums for 2026 will be announced later this year.

Beneficiaries can check updates online at www.medicare.gov or via their my Social Security Message Center in late November.

Bottom Line

The 2.8% COLA increase is a welcome boost for millions of Americans relying on Social Security and SSI.

Even a small increase can help cover rising costs for essentials like housing, food, and healthcare.

For more information, visit the official COLA page: www.ssa.gov/cola.

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