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2w ago

2026 Social Security COLA Takes Effect as January Payment Dates Finalized

SSI beneficiaries receive their January payment on Dec. 31 due to the New Year’s Day holiday.

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Stock image/file photo: Social Security card with U.S. dollar bills.
Social Security benefits: The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients will be 2.8%, averaging $56 for retirees. With rising living costs, this increase is vital for the 74 million individuals reliant on fixed incomes.
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Overview

  • More than 71 million people will see a 2.8% increase in January 2026 Social Security payments, with the adjustment applying across SSA programs.
  • January retirement benefits will be paid on Jan. 14 for birthdays on the 1st–10th, Jan. 21 for the 11th–20th, and Jan. 28 for the 21st–31st.
  • The average retiree’s benefit is estimated to rise by about $56 per month under the new cost-of-living adjustment.
  • SSI maximums rise to up to $994 for individuals, $1,491 for couples, and $498 for an essential person starting with the January payment.
  • People who receive both Social Security and SSI are scheduled to get their Social Security payment on Friday, Jan. 2, and the SSA notes that two SSI payments in one calendar month are not duplicates under its holiday rule.