Social Security 2026 COLA: 2.8% Increase Confirmed for January Payments

Millions of Americans will see larger Social Security checks next year. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026 has been officially set at 2.8%. This increase will begin with payments issued in January.

This annual adjustment is crucial for retirees on fixed incomes. It helps benefits keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.

Payment Schedules Shift for January and February

Approximately 74 million people rely on these monthly benefits. The average retiree will see an extra $56 per month. This figure comes from official projections.

Payment dates are adjusted when the first of the month falls on a holiday or weekend. In January 2026, the first is a Thursday, so no change occurs. However, February 1st is a Sunday.

This triggers an early payment for February. Beneficiaries will receive that check on Friday, January 30th. The schedule for regular Social Security remains based on birth dates.

Those born between the 1st and 10th get paid on the second Wednesday. People born between the 11th and 20th receive checks on the third Wednesday. Anyone born after the 20th is paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Supplemental Security Income Recipients See First Boost

The increase is applied first to Supplemental Security Income. SSI supports aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited resources. According to Reuters, this program covers around 7.4 million people.

The maximum federal SSI payment will rise. A single person could receive up to $994 monthly. An eligible couple could get up to $1,491.

For these recipients, the new rate starts with the December 2025 payment. That payment is typically issued on January 1st. Since that is a holiday, the payment goes out in late December.

This means SSI recipients will get two payments in December 2025. The second payment is their increased benefit for January. This advance payment system ensures no one misses a check due to a holiday.

The confirmed 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2026 provides essential relief against inflation. This increase will help stabilize the budgets of vulnerable seniors and disabled individuals across the nation.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Social Security COLA for 2026?

The Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026 is 2.8%. This is the official increase applied to benefit amounts starting in January.

When will I get my increased Social Security payment?

Increased payments begin in January 2026. Your specific date depends on your birth date and the type of benefit you receive.

Why are some people paid early in January?

If the scheduled payment date is a holiday or weekend, the Social Security Administration issues checks on the prior business day. February 1, 2026, is a Sunday, so that payment goes out January 30.

How much extra will the average retiree get?

The average retired worker will see a monthly increase of about $56. The exact amount depends on your current benefit level.

Who gets the COLA increase first?

Supplemental Security Income recipients see the new rate first. Their increased payment for January is typically issued at the very end of December.