The Social Security Administration recently announced the Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Benefits will increase by 2.8% in January 2026 to help offset the rising cost of living.
The COLA was enacted in 1975 and is based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) during July–September of the prior year. In 2026, around 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will receive the 2.8% increase.
- On average, this means retirement benefits will increase by about $56/month.
- This is an increase from the 2.5% we saw in 2025 and a decrease from the 3.2% we saw in 2024.
- The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax will also increase from $176,100 to $184,500 in 2026.
Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in December 2025. This can be found in the “Message Center” on your My Social Security account. https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
Summary of Cost of Living Adjustments received since 1975:
Source: ssa.gov/cola
Please also be on the lookout for the 2026 Part A/B Premiums and Deductibles announcement, which should be released soon!
As always, our team is here if you have any questions! 1-800-627-2768
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