2026 Cost-of-Living Boost for Veterans and Military Retirees
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be 2.8%, slightly higher than the 2025 COLA, as announced by Social Security Administration officials.
This increase, effective in January, applies to Social Security beneficiaries, military retirees, and individuals receiving veterans benefits, affecting nearly 71 million people.
- Average monthly Social Security benefits will increase by $56.
- A military retiree with $2,500 in retired pay can expect a $70 monthly increase.
- A veteran receiving $1,500 in monthly benefits will see a $42 increase in 2026.
Legislation passed in 2024 ties increases in veterans’ benefits to the rate of Social Security increases.
The government shutdown delayed the announcement by nine days.
Author's summary: Veterans and military retirees to receive 2.8% boost.