Social Security Benefits to Increase by 2.8% in 2026
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% increase in benefit payments for 71 million recipients in 2026.
The average monthly benefit for retired workers will rise to $2,064 from $2,008, starting in January, an increase of about $56.
- Average monthly benefits for retired workers will increase by 2.8%.
- Nearly 7.5 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will also see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.
- The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will increase to $184,500 from $176,100.
The SSA’s calculation is based on the average of the previous three months’ inflation, as measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.
No additional information available.
Author summary: Social Security benefits increase by 2.8% in 2026.