As confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), millions of Social Security beneficiaries across the United States are set to receive an increase this year due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026.
According to a report by The Miami Herald, this increase will be 2.8%, equating to an average of about $56 more per month for retirees. This adjustment aims to offset the effects of inflation on the prices of essentials like food and services, which disproportionately impact seniors with fixed incomes.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will be the first to see this boost, including adults over 65 and individuals with disabilities and limited resources. Typically disbursed on the first day of each month, these payments will be moved up to December 31st due to the January 1st holiday.
Per the Social Security Administration, the maximum SSI amount will be $994 for an individual and $1,491 for a couple. Beneficiaries will receive two deposits in December, although the second is technically the January payment.
For January 2026’s payment schedule, Social Security beneficiaries will receive their funds based on birth dates: those born between the 1st and 10th will be paid on January 14th; birthdays from the 11th to 20th will see payments on January 21st; and those born from the 21st to 31st will get theirs on January 28th.
Authorities emphasize that these increases are automatically applied, requiring no further action from beneficiaries. However, the rise in benefits could be lessened by the increase in Medicare Part B premiums, which will jump from $185 to $202.90 monthly, and the annual deductible, which will go up by $26.
This annual cost-of-living adjustment is crucial for maintaining the purchasing power of retirees and Social Security beneficiaries, which in 2025 encompasses over 74 million people nationwide.
Key Questions about Social Security Increases
Who will receive the Social Security increase first?
The first group to receive the increase will be Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, including seniors over 65 and individuals with disabilities and limited resources.
How will the payment schedule change in January 2026?
In January 2026, beneficiaries will receive payments based on their birth dates. Those born between the 1st and 10th will be paid on January 14th, from the 11th to 20th on January 21st, and from the 21st to 31st on January 28th.
What impact will Medicare Part B premiums have on the increase?
The increase in Medicare Part B premiums, from $185 to $202.90 monthly, along with a $26 rise in the annual deductible, may reduce the net benefit of the Social Security increase.