The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that Social Security benefits, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million people in the United States, will increase by 2.8 percent in 2026. Therefore, next year will see an increase in benefits to account for inflation, new salary caps, and a higher maximum benefit based on age. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January, according to official data.
We have the inflation-adjusted benefit increase in 2026
To put it simply, over the past decade, the average cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has been around 3.1 percent. In 2025, the COLA was 2.5 percent. On the one hand, we have the inflation-adjusted benefit increase in 2026. Social Security applies a cost-of-living adjustment each year to prevent inflation from eroding beneficiaries’ purchasing power. Because of this, nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA adjustment starting in January 2026. However, a T. Rowe Price survey shows that 19 percent of retirees incorrectly answered that these benefits are not adjusted for inflation.
What we explained above means that the average benefit for a retired worker will increase from $2,008 to $2,064 per month, a rise of $56. The increase in payments for nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2025. It’s important to note that some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits. Official COLA notifications will be mailed in December and can also be viewed in late November through the my Social Security online account.
“The cost-of-living adjustment is essential for Social Security to fulfill its mission”
On the other hand, for spouses, the average benefit will increase from $954 to $981, an increase of $27. Survivors’ benefits will rise from $1,575 to $1,619, an increase of $44; and benefits for disabled workers will increase from $1,583 to $1,627, also an increase of $44. “Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one of the ways we work to ensure that benefits reflect the current economy and continue to provide a foundation of security. The cost-of-living adjustment is essential for Social Security to fulfill its mission,” said Frank J. Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security.
Just like last year, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses clear, personalized language and provides the exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions. A survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute revealed that 39% of adults were unaware that there is a maximum limit on Social Security benefits. The maximum amount a beneficiary can receive depends on the age at which they choose to claim. So, the amount received varies considerably depending on whether a person claims retirement at age 62, 67, or 70. Furthermore, work history is a factor in determining the benefit bracket.
Those who haven’t opted in to receive online messages will receive their COLA notice by mail in December
Finally, those who claim benefits before full retirement age will be able to earn more without withholding. This means that if Social Security is claimed before full retirement age, a portion of the benefits may be withheld if income exceeds certain limits. Specifically, in 2026, the Withdrawal Income (TI) limits will increase, with the lower limit rising to $24,480 and the upper limit to $65,160. For those who reach full retirement age in 2026, one dollar will be withheld for every three dollars earned above that amount.
It’s important to know how to get updates on this matter. Just like last year, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses clear, personalized language and provides the exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions. For those enrolled in Medicare, the 2026 premium amount will be available through the my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Those who haven’t opted in to receive online messages will receive their COLA notice by mail in December. If you don’t receive one, we recommend checking an official state source.