2026 SSI COLA Increase: How much Extra will Social Security give Next Year?

2026 Social Security Increase: People next year who are getting Social Security will get a little more money in their checks because of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment or COLA increase. This helps older people, people with disabilities, and others keep up with prices going up. Experts think the 2026 COLA will be about 2.7%, a bit more than the 2.5% increase in 2025. That could give an extra $54 to $56 in each monthly check, depending on how it is calculated.

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How does COLA Work?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates COLA based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). They compare prices from the current year’s quarter to the same period last year. This system has been in place since 1975 and helps protect the buying power of your benefits.

The new COLA will start with payments in January 2026, but the exact date depends on when you were born:

• Born 1st to 10th of the month: payment on January 14
• Born 11th to 20th: payment on January 21
• Born 21st to end of month: payment on January 28

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For SSI recipients, the increase shows up earlier, on December 31, 2025, because of the New Year holiday. People receiving benefits before May 1997 will see the change on January 3.

Other Changes in 2026

2026 will not only bring COLA increases but also other important Social Security updates:

• Full retirement age rises to 67 for people born in 1960 or later. This may change the total benefits if you plan to retire next year.
• Income limits for taxed Social Security payments may rise to $18,600, and how much you can earn without reducing benefits may also increase.

For example:

• Under full retirement age up to $24,360 per year without reduction.
• During the year you reach full retirement age up to $64,800 per year