Social Security 2026 COLA Confirmed – Monthly Payment Increases

Published On: December 8, 2025

A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is on the way for over 75 million Americans in 2026. If you receive Social Security—whether you’re retired, disabled, a survivor, or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—this means more money in your pocket starting at the end of 2025 or early 2026. No forms to fill out, no action needed—it happens automatically.

Let’s walk through exactly how much more you’ll get, when you’ll get it, and what else to expect in the new year.

Increase

The average monthly retirement benefit will rise from $2,008 to $2,064—a $56 increase. For most people, it’s a welcome boost, especially with everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and utilities continuing to climb.

Here’s how the 2.8% increase looks across different groups:

Beneficiary Group	2025 Average	2026 Average	Monthly Change
Retirees	$2,008	$2,064	+$56
Spouses	$954	$981	+$27
Survivors	$1,575	$1,619	+$44
Disabled Workers	$1,583	$1,627	+$44

If you receive SSI, your increased payment hits on December 31, 2025. For everyone else on Social Security, the larger payments begin in January 2026. If you receive both SSI and Social Security, both benefits will go up—no extra action required on your part.

Timing

Mark these dates on your calendar so you know when to expect updates:

Late November 2025: Log into your my Social Security account to see your updated amount.
December 2025: Paper COLA notices will be mailed out.
December 31, 2025: New SSI payment lands.
January 2026: Bigger Social Security checks begin.

Even if your letter gets lost or delayed in the mail, your new payment will still arrive. If you want a fast update, check your SSA account online—this is the quickest way to confirm your new amount.

Work

If you’re still working while collecting Social Security, there’s another change worth knowing: the earnings limits are rising in 2026.

Here’s the breakdown:

Status	2026 Earnings Limit	Withholding Rule
Under full retirement age	$24,480	$1 withheld for every $2 earned over limit
Reaching full retirement age in 2026	$65,160	$1 withheld for every $3 over the limit

These thresholds mean you can earn more in 2026 before the SSA temporarily withholds any benefits. But remember, this is not a penalty or permanent loss—once you reach full retirement age, SSA recalculates your benefits and increases future payments to account for prior withholding.

Notices

Every Social Security and SSI recipient will receive a one-page COLA notice—either digitally or by mail. It will clearly state:

Your new monthly benefit
Any deductions (like Medicare premiums)
When the new payment takes effect

If you’re enrolled in Medicare, your 2026 premium amount will also appear in your online my Social Security Message Center around the same time. It’s worth checking both your COLA notice and Medicare update to plan your budget accurately.

Action

Here’s what you don’t need to do: apply, call, or fill out any paperwork. The COLA is automatic.

Here’s what you should do:

Check your SSA account in late November to see the updated amount
Review your 2026 budget, especially if your income affects Medicare costs or taxes
Track your earnings if you plan to work—use the $24,480 or $65,160 thresholds as your guide
Watch your mailbox or email in December for the official notice

The 2.8% COLA for 2026 may not make anyone rich, but it’s an important protection against rising living costs. It affects every group—from retirees to survivors to the disabled—and is automatic. Check your SSA account, know the new earning limits, and use this increase to stay a step ahead in your 2026 planning.