Social Security and SSI Payments to Rise in 2026 with 2.8% COLA Adjustment – Check Details

If you’ve been waiting to see what 2026 brings for your benefits, here’s the headline: Social Security and SSI payments are set to increase by 2.8% thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment. This Social Security and SSI Payments increase will show up for Social Security beneficiaries with January 2026 payments, while SSI recipients will see the higher amount on December 31, 2025. For the average retired worker, that’s roughly a $56 monthly bump, moving a typical check to about $2,071$2,071. The adjustment follows the statutory CPI-W formula to help keep benefits aligned with inflation.

This Social Security 2026 COLA increase lands at 2.8% and applies automatically across retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, as well as SSI. Nearly all beneficiaries will notice the higher amount at the start of the new year’s payment cycle. The calculation is based on average third-quarter CPI-W readings versus the prior year, which is how the COLA is set under current law. While 2.8% is a modest bump, it still provides meaningful relief against living cost pressures, especially for fixed-income households.

Social Security and SSI Payments to Rise in 2026 with 2.8% COLA Adjustment

A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment is set to lift Social Security and SSI payments as the calendar turns, with Social Security increases showing up in January 2026 and SSI’s higher amount arriving on December 31, 2025. For many households, that translates into roughly $56 more per month for the average retired worker, with proportional increases across disability and survivor benefits as well. 

How The COLA Works For 2026

The 2.8% increase is determined by comparing the average CPI-W for July, August, and September with the same period a year earlier. That percentage is then applied across the board, so your specific dollar increase depends on your current benefit amount. The goal is simple: protect purchasing power so benefits better track everyday costs.

What It Means For Your Check

If you receive the average retired worker benefit, plan for about an extra $56 per month in 2026, bringing the estimated payment near $2,071$2,071. The same 2.8% applies to survivor and disability categories. Your net deposit may differ depending on whether Medicare Part B premiums and other deductions are taken from your check.

When You Will See The Increase

Social Security beneficiaries will see the COLA reflected in January 2026 payments, which follow the usual schedule aligned to the primary beneficiary’s birthdate. SSI recipients will get their first raised payment on December 31, 2025, due to that program’s payment calendar and holiday adjustments.

Earnings Limits You Should Know

Working while receiving benefits? In 2026, the annual earnings test limit for those under full retirement age rises to $24,480$24,480, with $1$1 withheld for every $2$2 over that amount. If you reach full retirement age in 2026, the higher limit of $65,160$65,160 applies, with $1$1 withheld for every $3$3 above that threshold until you hit full retirement age.

Taxable Maximum and Your Payroll Tax

For workers paying into Social Security, the maximum wages subject to the OASDI payroll tax will increase to $184,500$184,500 in 2026. The 6.2% employee and employer OASDI tax applies up to that cap. Medicare payroll taxes operate separately and do not have a wage cap.

Why Some Net Checks May Feel Smaller

Even with a 2.8% COLA, some beneficiaries may see a smaller-than-expected net increase if Medicare Part B premiums rise and are deducted from their checks. The impact depends on your specific premium amount, income-related adjustments, and whether you have other deductions.

How To Verify Your New Benefit

You’ll typically receive an official notice in December showing your updated benefit amount for 2026. If you use a my Social Security account, you may be able to view your updated details earlier. It’s smart to confirm your gross benefit, any deductions, and the expected deposit date for accurate budgeting.

The Bigger Picture On Inflation And COLA

While a 2.8% bump won’t erase every price increase, it helps stabilize purchasing power for retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities. Over time, these annual adjustments are critical to maintaining the real value of benefits, especially in periods when essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare trend higher.

The change follows the CPI-W method required by law, helping checks better track everyday costs even as expenses like healthcare and utilities continue to pressure budgets. Workers and early claimers should also note the updated earnings-test limits and the higher taxable maximum, which shape withholdings and payroll contributions next year. Finally, remember that Medicare Part B premiums can affect your net deposit—so it’s smart to review your December notice or log in to my Social Security account to confirm your precise 2026 amount, deductions, and deposit schedule.

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