Alongside the annual COLA increase, there are several other changes coming into effect in 2026.
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What is the Social Security COLA for 2026?
In October 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that Social Security beneficiaries will get a 2.8% increase in their monthly payments in 2026.
This is higher than the 2025 cost of living adjustment (COLA), which stood at 2.5%, reflecting an uptick in inflation.
According to SSA estimates, this will boost a retiree's monthly benefit by approximately $56, from $2,015 to $2,071.
The average monthly survivor benefit will increase by $52, while the average monthly benefit for a worker collecting Social Security Disability Insurance will rise by $44.
Here is a breakdown of the monthly cost increases following the 2.8% COLA:
| Beneficiary | Pre-COLA | Post-COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Worker receiving disability benefits | $1,586 | $1,630 |
| Survivor benefits, widowed parent and two qualifying children | $3,792 | $3,898 |
| Survivor benefit, older spouse | $1,867 | $1,919 |
| SSI maximum federal benefit, married couple | $1,450 | $1,491 |
| SSI maximum federal benefit, individual | $967 | $994 |
| Retired worker | $2,015 | $2,071 |
| Married couple, both receiving benefits | $3,120 | $3,208 |
Source: Social Security Administration
Increased payments will take effect on time, despite the federal government shutdown, with December’s Social Security payments issued in January.
What other Social Security changes are coming in 2026?
Alongside the COLA increase, there are a number of other changes coming into force in 2026 that could impact Social Security beneficiaries, including:
1. Potential tax break for over 65s
The new “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” introduces several changes that impact federal taxes, credits and deductions.
According to the IRS, from 2025 to 2028, individuals age 65 and older may claim an additional $6,000 deduction. This new deduction is on top of the current additional standard deduction for seniors under existing law.
The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000.
To qualify for this new deduction, the taxpayer must be aged 65 on or before the last day of the year.
2.Social Security earnings test
Social Security applies an earnings test to beneficiaries who have not yet reached full retirement age (FRA), which is currently between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.
In 2026, beneficiaries who will not reach FRA until a later year have $1 withheld from their Social Security payment for every $2 in work income above $24,480. This is up from $23,400 in 2025.
The earnings test eases in the year you reach your FRA: Social Security holds back $1 in benefits for every $3 in earnings above $65,160 (up from $62,160 in 2025). In the month when you reach FRA, the earnings test disappears.
3.Qualifying for Social Security
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you must have at least 40 Social Security credits.
These credits are earned by doing work in which you pay Social Security taxes on your income. In 2026, you will earn one credit for earnings of $1,890, up $80 from 2025. This means you now have to earn more money to qualify for Social Security in retirement.
You can earn a maximum of four credits a year, meaning it typically takes 10 years of paying Social Security taxes to become eligible.
How are Social Security payment dates determined?
Payment dates for Social Security benefits depend on the beneficiary’s birth date.
The schedule is as follows:
Birth date between the 1st and 10th of the month: Payment on the second Wednesday of the month.
Birth date between the 11th and 20th of the month: Payment on the third Wednesday of the month.
Birth date between the 21st and 31st of the month: Payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 or individuals receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Payment on the third of the month.
For 2026, the full list of exact dates these groups will receive payments is available here.
Get expert financial advice
Staying informed about these updates and understanding their potential effects on your retirement will help you make the best decisions for your future.
Let Unbiased match you with a financial advisor for expert financial advice on how the 2026 Social Security changes might impact your long-term financial plans.