Cost of living adjustment for 2026
Since we are talking about social security changes, we can’t skip COLA, which is one of the subjects that raises the attention of Americans every year. So what’s new?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Compared to the last years, this is a modest increase, and it follows a 2.5% adjustment in 2025.
But what does this 2.8% mean for retirees? Well, this means they will get more money, but it’s a modest increase. The average monthly payment will go up by $56. It used to be $2,015, and now it will be $2,071.
If you are part of a married couple and you receive the benefits together, this one of the Social Security changes will get you $88 extra, and the monthly payment will be $3,208 instead of $3,120. Higher payouts may also help seniors maintain healthcare coverage through Medicare Supplement Insurance.
When COLA is determined, inflation rates play a big role, and most of the time the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July, August, and September of the previous year is used to make the right adjustments that will be able to sustain the actual cost of living.
COLA has the purpose of making things easier for retirees and helping manage the rising costs, but it is mandatory to be aware that it will never lower the current prices. Groceries, utilities, and housing costs remain high, which means that even with the increase, many retirees may still struggle financially.
There are more Social Security changes that we need to discuss, but this one is a hot topic we urgently needed to cover.
Yes, I gave her $6000 off of our income tax
i could use the extra money for my bills and i would like to work a job am i allowed to work if i have more money ? please let me know what to do tyvm
Is it possible to increase my monthly payments. Dew to hardship situation.
Why is my spousal benefit that I have been receiving now being paid at my husbands date and not mine
i want to retire from goodwill
Please inform me of all the changes in my social security
Mine hasn’t been coming in for almost 3months. Too many runarounds from banking services regarding social security administration office saying it’s out there and then it’s not as well as the latest, they haven’t bothered to send it out.
My SS was cut by $40.00 in 2026. They came to this decision by looking into my Savings Accounts.
One huge subject they absolutely should be working on is figuring out how to pay back the literally Trillions of dollars they have taken for many other programs by transferring funds from SS to the general fund .Just plain wrong and many people have no clue !😡
Approximately 1 in 5 Social Security beneficiaries are not retired seniors, with over 11% (roughly 8 million) receiving Disability Insurance (SSDI) and millions more receiving survivor benefits as children or young spouses. As of December 2025, non-retiree benefits include 7.1 million disabled workers, 2.5 million+ children, and 5.8 million+ total survivors.