"In Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026. This is the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that will apply next year. In most years, COLAs increase Social Security benefits. The purpose of COLAs is to help Social Security recipients avoid losing buying power due to the effects of inflation. Third-quarter data from a consumer price index is reviewed, and when it reveals rising prices, benefits go up based on the year-over-year increase in the cost of a basket of goods and services."
"The 2.8% raise is applied to your current Social Security benefit. Based on August 2025 data from the Social Security Administration, the average monthly Social Security benefit is $2,008.31. When you apply a 2.8% raise to the average benefit, you can see that the typical retiree will get around $56.23 more per month next year. You can estimate how much your own benefit will go up by multiplying 2.8% times your current payment."
Social Security benefits will increase 2.8% in 2026 as the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA is based on third-quarter consumer price index data and aims to preserve beneficiaries’ buying power against inflation. Using August 2025 Social Security Administration data, the average monthly benefit is $2,008.31, so a 2.8% increase equals roughly $56.23 more per month for the typical retiree. The COLA is applied to standard benefits and then adjusted for early or late claims. The Social Security Administration will notify beneficiaries via mySocialSecurity in late November or by mail in early December. Medicare premium increases could reduce some retirees’ net gain.
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