Social Security Benefits to Increase by 2.8% in 2026
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, affecting 71 million recipients.
- Average monthly benefit for retired workers will rise to $2,064 from $2,008.
- Increase of about $56 per month for retired workers, starting in January.
- 7.5 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will also see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.
- Maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax will increase to $184,500 from $176,100.
The SSA’s calculation is based on the average of the previous three months’ inflation, as measured by the U.S.
Author's summary: Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026.