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TrendingRetirementJanuary 5, 2026
Social Security COLA Increase 2026
Social Security benefits received a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Learn how much more you will receive and how it affects your retirement plan.
Key Statistics
2026 COLA increase
2.5%
Source: Social Security Administration
Average monthly benefit increase
$~49/mo
Source: SSA estimate
Average monthly SS benefit (2026)
$2,000
Source: SSA
Social Security recipients
~72 million
Source: SSA
How This Affects You
Social Security benefits received a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Learn how much more you will receive and how it affects your retirement plan. Use the calculators below to see the exact impact on your personal finances. Everyone's situation is different — input your own numbers to get a personalized answer.
Calculate Your Impact
Expert Tips
- 1
Your new benefit amount takes effect in January — check your My Social Security account for the updated figure.
- 2
The COLA is based on CPI-W from Q3 of the prior year — it may not match your personal inflation rate.
- 3
Medicare Part B premiums may offset some of the COLA increase — review your net benefit change.
- 4
If you have not claimed yet, delaying benefits until age 70 grows your base amount before future COLAs compound on top.
- 5
Spousal and survivor benefits also receive the COLA — recalculate your household retirement income.
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