Social Security recipients can expect a 2.8% increase in benefit payments for 2026

Source: NBC News

“The Social Security Administration announced Friday that benefit payments will increase 2.8% next year to account for the higher cost of living. The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment, knowns as the COLA, represents an increase over last year’s 2.5% figure, but it is lower than the historical average of about 3.7%. Individual retirement benefits will climb an average of about $56 per month, the agency said in a statement. The COLA is typically calculated using benchmark inflation data from July, August, and September.” (10/24/25)

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/personal-finance/social-security-cola-2026-rcna239552