A 2.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment will lift payments for more than 75 million Americans in 2026, including retirees, spouses, survivors, disabled workers, and SSI recipients. Here’s what you need to know—and when the money lands.
The average retirement check rises from $2,008 to $2,064 per month—an automatic $56 increase with January 2026 payments. SSI recipients will see larger amounts starting December 31, 2025, and people who receive both Social Security and SSI will get adjustments in each program. No applications are needed.
This adjustment is designed to protect purchasing power as everyday costs climb. Over the last decade, the average COLA has been 3.1%, and the 2.8% increase continues that protection. Still, many people remain unsure about how COLA works, with surveys showing persistent confusion.
How the 2026 Social Security COLA changes your monthly benefit by group
The new figures touch every category of beneficiary. Who benefits most in your household?
| 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 |
Larger payments begin automatically—SSI on December 31, 2025, and Social Security in January 2026. If you receive both, expect adjustments in each program without any extra steps. Wondering if you need to apply? You don’t.
What to expect from earnings limits and working while on benefits in 2026
For recipients who work before reaching their full retirement age, the earnings limit rises to $24,480, and the upper limit increases to $65,160. Exceeding these thresholds can lead to temporary withholding, not permanent loss.
For those reaching full retirement age in 2026, one dollar is withheld for every three dollars earned above the limit—and withholding ends once full retirement age is reached. Planning to work next year? Keep these thresholds in mind to avoid surprises.
When and how your official COLA notice and Medicare details will arrive
Every beneficiary will get a simplified, one‑page COLA notice with the new amount, any deductions, and the activation date. Information will appear in my Social Security accounts in late November, while paper notices will arrive in December. For Medicare enrollees, 2026 premium amounts will also appear in the online Message Center.
Even if a letter is delayed or lost, the higher payment will still arrive automatically in January 2026; the fastest way to confirm your updated amount is to check your online account. Key dates and steps
- Late November 2025: View COLA details in my Social Security.
- December 2025: Paper notices arrive by mail.
- December 31, 2025: SSI recipients receive larger payments.
- January 2026: Bigger Social Security deposits begin automatically.
All year 2026: Track earnings against $24,480 / $65,160 limits if working.
A 2.8% COLA raises checks across the board, kicks in automatically, and comes with clear notices online and by mail. Review your my Social Security account, note the earnings limits if you work, and plan your 2026 budget with the new amounts.
