Last fact-check: July 27, 2026 · Primary source: Social Security Administration
Quick answer
The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is 2.8%. Social Security benefits increased with benefits payable in January 2026; increased federal SSI payments began on December 31, 2025 because January 1 was a holiday. A 2.8% COLA raises the gross benefit before Medicare premiums, withholding, or other deductions.
Key takeaways
- SSA estimates the average retired-worker benefit rose from $2,015 to $2,071 a month.
- The maximum federal SSI payment rose to $994 for one person and $1,491 for an eligible couple.
- Your net deposit may rise by a different amount because deductions are separate from the COLA.
Verified 2026 COLA figures
| Figure | Before 2026 COLA | After 2026 COLA |
|---|---|---|
| All retired workers, estimated average | $2,015 | $2,071 |
| All disabled workers, estimated average | $1,586 | $1,630 |
| Maximum benefit at full retirement age | $4,018 | $4,152 |
| Federal SSI maximum, individual | $967 | $994 |
| Federal SSI maximum, eligible couple | $1,450 | $1,491 |
These are national estimates or federal maximums from the SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet. They do not predict a specific person’s payment.
How much did a gross benefit increase?
For a simple estimate, multiply the prior gross monthly benefit by 1.028. For example, a $1,000 gross benefit becomes about $1,028, and a $2,000 gross benefit becomes about $2,056 before rounding and deductions. Use the amount on your SSA notice for the authoritative result.
Gross versus net: The COLA applies to the Social Security or SSI benefit calculation. A Medicare premium, federal tax withholding, overpayment recovery, or another deduction can change the amount deposited into a bank account.
How SSA calculated the 2.8% COLA
The Social Security Act bases the annual COLA on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). SSA compared the average CPI-W for the third quarter of 2025 with the third-quarter average from 2024.
| Period | Average CPI-W |
|---|---|
| Third quarter 2024 | 308.729 |
| Third quarter 2025 | 317.265 |
| Rounded percentage increase | 2.8% |
SSA publishes the calculation as (317.265 − 308.729) ÷ 308.729 × 100, rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent. See the official latest COLA calculation.
When the increase started
The COLA is effective for Social Security benefits for December 2025, which are generally payable in January 2026. Federal SSI payment levels also increased for January 2026; because January 1 was a federal holiday, that SSI payment was made on December 31, 2025.
How to find your exact amount
- Sign in to my Social Security.
- Open the COLA notice or benefit-verification information.
- Compare the gross benefit and every listed deduction, not only the final deposit.
- Contact SSA if the notice does not match your record or circumstances.
Related guides
- Average and maximum Social Security benefits in 2026
- 2026 Medicare Part B premium and IRMAA brackets
- 2026 Social Security payment calendar
Official sources
- SSA — 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment information
- SSA — 2026 COLA fact sheet
- SSA — Latest COLA calculation
Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed. Figures were checked against the linked SSA sources on July 27, 2026. Examples show gross-benefit arithmetic, not a promise about any person’s net deposit. The Guru Gazette is independent and is not affiliated with SSA.