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The Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and SSI is based on the CPI-W average for July, August, and September compared with the same three months the year before.
If prices rose, beneficiaries get a percentage increase the following January. This formula applies to retirement, SSDI, and SSI payments.
What Increase To Expect In 2026
With inflation easing compared to the prior year but still running above the pre-pandemic norm, most public estimates point to a 2026 COLA of about 2.7%–2.8%.
That would be slightly higher than 2025’s 2.5% and would lift monthly checks modestly while helping offset higher prices for food, housing, and medical costs.
The exact figure is set when September’s CPI-W data is finalized.
What It Means For Your Check
The average retired worker benefit is around $2,000 per month.
- A 2.7% COLA would add about +$54 monthly.
- A 2.8% COLA would add about +$56 monthly.
Remember, if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, the premium (commonly paid from your Social Security check) is expected to rise in 2026, which can reduce the net increase you actually see.
2026 COLA At A Glance (Illustrative)
| Item | 2025 / Current | 2026 (Projected) | What To Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official COLA | 2.5% (2025) | ~2.7%–2.8% | Final % announced in mid-October; applied from January 2026 payments. |
| Avg. Retired Worker Check | ≈$2,000/mo | +$54 to +$56 | Your raise scales with your base benefit. |
| SSI Federal Standard | $943 (ind.) / $1,415 (couple) | ≈$968 / ≈$1,453 | Rounded from a ~2.7%–2.8% adjustment. |
| Medicare Part B Premium | Mid-$180s/mo | Potentially ≈$200+ | A higher premium can offset part of the COLA. |
Timeline And Payment Dates
- Announcement: The official 2026 COLA is typically announced in mid-October after September’s CPI-W is published.
- Effective Date: New amounts apply to January 2026 benefits.
- Social Security Schedule: Payments follow the birth-date Wednesday schedule (2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday).
- SSI Schedule: SSI pays on the 1st of the month; if that falls on a weekend/holiday, payment moves to the prior business day.
Who Benefits And By How Much
- Retirees & Spouses: Your raise equals your base benefit × COLA %.
- SSDI Beneficiaries: Receive the same COLA percentage as retirees.
- SSI Recipients: The federal standard rate adjusts by the same COLA; some states add supplements that can change the final amount.
- High-Income Medicare Enrollees (IRMAA): If you pay income-related surcharges, your Part B/D costs may rise more, further trimming the net increase.
Smart Planning Tips For 2026
- Review Your Withholdings: If taxes are withheld from your benefit, update your W-4V election so the new amount aligns with your 2026 tax picture.
- Budget For Healthcare: Build in a cushion for Part B and potential Part D premium or deductible changes.
- Check Your My Social Security Account: Confirm your benefit amount, direct deposit, and address ahead of January.
- Compare Medicare Plans During AEP: The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct–Dec) is a good time to evaluate Part D and Advantage plans to protect your raise.
All signs point to a moderate 2026 COLA near 2.7%–2.8%—enough to add roughly $54–$56 a month to a typical retired worker’s benefit, but with part of the gain potentially offset by higher Medicare premiums.
Lock in your plan now: monitor the mid-October announcement, update your budget, and review Medicare options so more of your COLA stays in your pocket.
FAQs
When Will The 2026 COLA Be Announced?
Typically in mid-October, once the final September CPI-W figure is in.
When Will I See The Higher Amount?
The new COLA applies to January 2026 benefits (Social Security on your usual Wednesday schedule; SSI on the 1st, adjusted for weekends/holidays).
How Can I Estimate My Personal Raise?
Multiply your current gross monthly benefit by 0.027 to 0.028 (for 2.7%–2.8%). Then subtract your expected Medicare Part B premium (and any tax withholding) to estimate your net increase.