The end of the year is bringing good news for all of those receiving Social Security checks; in 2026 there will be a confirmed raise. We are talking about a 2.8% raise from COLA (cost-of-living adjustments) for more than 75 millios of people: Retirees, spouses, survivors, workers with disabilities and those who receive SSI.
Why is all of this for? To avoid money lose its value when prices are going up even for the most fundamental needs like rent, food, health and services. One example in the average retirement payment, which will rise from $2,008 to $2,064 per month from January 2026 (it’s $56 more and you don’t have to do any paperwork).
For SSI, The highest payments begin on December 31, 2025. And if someone receives Social Security and SSI, they will see the increase in both programs. Payments of spouses, survivors and people with disabilities will raise too.
Int he last 10 years, the average COLA was 3.1%. And the 2026 increase—although lower—continues to protect the pocket.
How much do payments increase in 2026?
Let’s talk numbers:
- Retirement (average): from $2,008 to $2,064 per month (+$56), from January 2026.
- Spouses (average): from $954 to $981 (+$27).
- Survivors (average): from $1,575 to $1,619 (+$44).
- People with disabilities (average): from $1,583 to $1,627 (+$44).
- SSI: highest payments since December 31, 2025 (about 7.5 million people).
All of this is happening automatically. It is not an stimulus or some kind of seasonal program. It’s the yearly COLA modifications avoiding that money fall behind the economy. But there’s something important to recall: What each person receives depends on their lifetime income and the age at which they claimed (62, full age or 70), that doesn’t change. In addition, there is a maximum benefit limit. 2.8% is applied to the amount that already corresponds to you according to your history.
COLA: income limits and the upcoming 2026 notice
What’s COLA, or Cost-of-living adjustment? It’s what protects your payments against inflation and wage growth. Without it, you would buy less and less with the same amount of money over time. The increase of 2026 is higher than last year’s which was 2.5%; it shows that prices continue to pressure many families. However, 19% of retirees think that there is no adjustment for inflation whatsoever. But, yes, there is: the COLA is a basic part of the program.
Could Social Security payments be impacted by working while receiving benefits in 2026? If you work before your full retirement age, there are income limits:
- Lower limit in 2026: $24,480.
- Higher limit in 2026: $65,160.
If you earn more than those tops, you can temporarily retain part of the profit (it is not lost). For those who reach full age in 2026, $1 is withheld for every $3 earned above the limit. When you reach full age, the withholding ends and you collect the full amount again.
How will you know your new amount? You will receive a one-page notice with: your new monthly amount, deductions (if any) and the exact date on which it changes.
- In my Social Security (your online account) information is available since the end of November.
- The paper letter will arrive in December. If you are in Medicare, in the Message Center you will also see the 2026 premiums, to know your net deposit.
What it means to you and your family
In 2026, payments go up so that the money yields a little more. Averages: $56 more for retirees, $27 more for spouses, $44 more for survivors and $44 more for people with disabilities. In SSI, the increase begins on December 31, 2025. If you receive Social Security and SSI, both fit.
Do you work and still don’t reach full retirement age? Remember the limits of $24,480 and $65,160 in 2026. If they retain some of your money, it will be temporary. You don’t have to do anything to receive the increase: it applies automatically.
Even if the notice is delayed or lost, the highest payment is deposited in January 2026.