11/17/2025
The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%, effective in January 2026. This means the average monthly retirement benefit will increase by about $56, rising from $2,015 to $2,071.
The increase also applies to other Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Key details
COLA: 2.8%
Effective date: January 2026 for most Social Security beneficiaries; December 31, 2025, for SSI recipients
Average retirement benefit increase: About $56 per month ($2,015 to $2,071)
Calculation: Based on the year-over-year increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) during the third quarter of 2025
Other benefits: The COLA also applies to survivor benefits, disability benefits, and SSI payments
For more information:
https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/cola/factsheets/2026.html
