Social Security Benefits Rise 2.8% in 2026

Millions of Americans receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will see their monthly payments increase by 2.8 percent in 2026, an adjustment aimed at keeping pace with inflation. The change, announced by the Social Security Administration, takes effect with payments starting in January and affects approximately 75 million beneficiaries nationwide.

The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, represents a slight rise from the 2.5 percent increase applied in 2025. According to the agency, the average monthly benefit will grow by about $56, providing modest relief for retirees, disabled workers, and low-income individuals who rely on these funds for essentials like housing, food, and medical care. For instance, retired workers previously receiving $2,015 per month will now get $2,071. Couples where both spouses qualify for benefits will see their combined payment rise from $3,120 to $3,208. Disabled workers' benefits will increase from $1,586 to $1,630, while a disabled worker with a spouse and one or more children will receive $2,937, up from $2,857. Widowed mothers with two children will get $3,898, compared to $3,792 before the adjustment, and aged...