Current Monthly Benefit Amount ($)

COLA Percentage Formula:

COLA % = [(CPI-W_{Q3 Current} - CPI-W_{Q3 Previous}) ÷ CPI-W_{Q3 Previous}] × 100

New Benefit Calculation:

New Benefit = Current Benefit × (1 + COLA %)

New Benefit = Current Benefit × 1.028

New Benefit = $2,000 × 1.028 = $2,056

Monthly Increase = $2,056 - $2,000 = $56

Annual Increase = $56 × 12 = $672

Find Your Current Benefit

Locate your current monthly Social Security benefit amount from your payment statement or online account at ssa.gov.

Apply the 2.8% COLA

Multiply your current benefit by 1.028 (which represents a 2.8% increase) to calculate your new 2026 benefit amount.

Calculate Your Increase

Subtract your current benefit from your new benefit to determine your monthly increase. Multiply by 12 for your annual increase.

Verify Your Results

Check your calculation using our calculator above. You'll receive official notification from SSA in December 2025 or January 2026.

What is the Social Security COLA for 2026?

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.8%. This increase will be applied to nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries starting in January 2026, helping benefits keep pace with inflation.

How much will my Social Security check increase in 2026?

The average Social Security retirement benefit will increase by approximately $56 per month, from $2,015 to $2,071. Your specific increase depends on your current benefit amount. Use our calculator above to determine your exact increase by multiplying your current benefit by 0.028 (the 2.8% COLA rate).

When will I receive my 2026 COLA increase?

Most Social Security beneficiaries will see the 2.8% COLA increase in their payments beginning January 2026. SSI recipients will receive their increased payments starting December 31, 2025. Your exact payment date depends on your birthdate and benefit type.

Is the 2026 COLA automatic?

Yes, the COLA is automatic. You do not need to contact Social Security or take any action to receive the increase. The 2.8% adjustment will be automatically applied to your benefit, and you'll receive notification from the Social Security Administration about your new payment amount.

How is the COLA percentage determined?

The COLA is calculated based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year. For 2026, the Social Security Administration compared the average CPI-W from July-September 2024 to July-September 2025, resulting in a 2.8% increase.

Will Medicare premiums reduce my COLA increase?

Yes, Medicare Part B premiums are typically deducted from Social Security benefits. Any increase in Medicare premiums for 2026 will reduce the net amount of your COLA increase. However, most beneficiaries are protected by the "hold harmless" provision, which prevents Medicare premium increases from reducing your Social Security benefit below the previous year's amount.

Does COLA apply to all Social Security beneficiaries?

Yes, the 2.8% COLA applies to all types of Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivor, and disability benefits (SSDI). It also applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries and 7.5 million SSI recipients will receive the increase.

How does the 2026 COLA compare to previous years?

The 2.8% COLA for 2026 is higher than the 2.5% adjustment in 2025 but significantly lower than the historic increases seen in recent years due to elevated inflation: 8.7% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024. Over the past decade, the average COLA has been approximately 3.1%.

Budget Adjustment

Review your monthly budget to account for your increased benefit. While the 2.8% increase helps offset inflation, consider whether your expenses have risen faster than your benefits and adjust your spending accordingly.

Medicare Planning

Watch for Medicare Part B premium announcements for 2026. The premium increase may offset some of your COLA gain. Consider reviewing your Medicare coverage options during open enrollment to ensure you have the most cost-effective plan.

Tax Considerations

Your increased benefit may affect your tax situation, particularly if you have other income sources. Up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your combined income. Consult a tax professional if needed.

Earnings Test

If you're under full retirement age and still working, be aware of the earnings test limits for 2026: $24,480 annually if you're under FRA all year, or $65,160 if you reach FRA during 2026. Exceeding these limits may temporarily reduce your benefits.