Good news for Social Security recipients 🇺🇸
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026, helping millions of Americans keep up with rising costs.
Starting in January 2026, about 75 million people receiving Social Security benefits—such as retirement, disability, and survivors benefits—will see their monthly payments go up. On average, retirees can expect about $56 more per month.
For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the increase will arrive a little earlier, with higher payments beginning on December 31, 2025. (Some people receive both Social Security and SSI.)
Over the past 10 years, annual cost-of-living increases have averaged around 3.1%. For comparison, the increase in 2025 was 2.5%.
“Social Security is a promise kept,” said SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The annual cost-of-living adjustment helps make sure benefits keep up with today’s economic realities and continue to provide financial security.”
Other changes for 2026
Beginning in January, the maximum earnings subject to Social Security taxes will rise to $184,500, up from $176,100, reflecting increases in average wages.
How you’ll be notified
Starting in early December 2025, Social Security will send out benefit notices by mail. Just like last year, beneficiaries will receive a simple, one-page notice that clearly explains:
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Your new benefit amount
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When the increase starts
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Any deductions
If you have a my Social Security account, you can view your notice online, often faster than waiting for the mail. You can also set up email or text alerts when new messages arrive.
To receive notices online instead of on paper, you’ll need to sign in to your my Social Security account and opt out of mailed notices by November 19, 2025. You can create an account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Having an online account also lets you:
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Request a replacement Social Security card
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Check benefit or claim status
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View your SSA-1099 form
Medicare information
Details about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov. Medicare premium information will appear in the my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Those who prefer paper notices will receive their information by mail in December.
How the increase is calculated
The annual cost-of-living adjustment is set by law and is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For more details, visit www.ssa.gov/cola.