Social Security COLA Increase for 2026 Announced
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, affecting approximately 75 million Americans who rely on Social Security benefits each month.
The COLA is calculated based on the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) and is intended to help seniors keep up with inflation. The 2.8 percent increase will result in an average of $56 extra per month for retirees on Social Security.
The COLA increase is likely to leave seniors disappointed, but will result in more money in each check.
- Around 75 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits each month.
- The COLA increase is calculated based on the CPI-W.
- The 2.8 percent COLA will translate to roughly $56 extra per month for the average retiree.
Author's summary: Social Security benefits to increase by 2.8 percent in 2026.