Social Security benefits to increase 2.8% in 2026
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Social Security is going up 2.8% in 2026. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Social Security retirement and disability benefits for 2026 will increase by 2.8%, a $56-a-month boost for retirees starting in January, the government announced Friday.
Why it matters: The cost-of-living adjustment, known as COLA, is higher than last year's 2.5% increase but below the decade average of 3.1%.
- The adjustment affects more than 75 million recipients of Social Security retirement and disability benefits.
What they're saying: Democrats blasted the modest increase, blaming what they call "Trump's inflation" and warning it won't keep pace with rising costs for food, housing and health care.
- But SSA commissioner Frank Bisignano said in a release that the adjustment "is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today's economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security."
COLA tied to September CPI
How it works: The COLA is based on the change in the third-quarter Consumer Price Index for urban wage and clerical workers compared with a year earlier.
- September's CPI, which was released Friday, was the final data point needed to calculate the cost-of-living adjustment.
Average monthly Social Security benefits for 2026
For all retired workers, the average benefit is estimated to increase to $2,071 in January from the 2025 monthly benefit of $2,015. Other monthly estimated averages listed on the Social Security Administration fact sheet are:
- "Aged couple" both receiving benefits: $3,208, up from $3,120.
- Widowed mother and two children: $3,898, up from $3,792.
- Aged widow alone: $1,919, up from $1,867.
- Disabled worker, spouse and one or more children: $2,937, up from $2,857.
- All disabled workers: $1,630, up from $1,586.
When 2026 Social Security increase starts
What's next: Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the increase starting with payments in January 2026.
- Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will begin on Dec. 31, 2025.
- Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information throughout.
