A bigger paycheck for millions of Americans
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that benefits for about 75 million Americans will rise by 2.8% in 2026. This includes Social Security retirement, disability (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
On average, retirees will see an extra $56 per month, beginning with the first payments issued in January 2026.
This cost-of-living adjustment, known as COLA, helps benefits keep up with inflation — making sure Social Security continues to provide financial security to millions of Americans.
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When will you receive the first increased payment?
The first group to receive the new COLA increase will be SSI recipients, who will get their higher payments on December 31, 2025.
Then, starting in January 2026, regular Social Security retirement and disability benefits will include the 2.8% increase.
That means most Americans will see their bigger check arrive in January, depending on their birth date and payment schedule.
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Here’s how it usually works:
- January 8, 2026: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th
- January 15, 2026: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th
- January 22, 2026: If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, your SSI payment will come on December 31, 2025, and your Social Security benefit will follow in January 2026.
How you’ll be notified
The SSA will begin mailing COLA notices in early December 2025. The new, simplified notice will clearly show:
- Your new monthly benefit amount
- The exact increase in dollars
- Any deductions (like Medicare premiums)
- Your first payment date
If you have a my Social Security account, you can see your COLA notice online — faster and more securely than waiting for mail delivery.
You can even set up text or email alerts so you’ll know the moment your notice is available.
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How to view your COLA notice online
To get your 2026 COLA notice online, you’ll need to:
- Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Create or sign in to your account.
- Choose to receive notices electronically by November 19, 2025.
Once you’re set up, you can:
- See your updated benefit information anytime.
- Request a replacement Social Security card.
- View your claim status and payment history.
- Check your SSA-1099 tax form when tax season rolls around.
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Other changes coming in 2026
Along with the COLA boost, some other updates will take effect in January:
- The maximum taxable earnings subject to Social Security tax will rise from $176,100 to $184,500.
- Medicare premiums for 2026 will be announced in late November 2025 and shared through your My Social Security Message Center.
These adjustments reflect wage growth and inflation — helping to keep Social Security aligned with today’s economy.
How the COLA is calculated
The Social Security Act requires that the annual COLA be tied to inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calculates it using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
If prices rise, Social Security payments rise too — that’s how the COLA ensures your benefits keep their value year after year.
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