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Social Security’s 2026 COLA Hits Checks as January Payments Begin

Many retirees will see smaller net gains because Medicare Part B premiums rise to $202.90.

Overview

  • Beneficiaries who started before May 1997 are paid Friday, Jan. 2, with others set for Jan. 14, Jan. 21 or Jan. 28 based on birth dates.
  • The SSA’s 2.8% adjustment lifts the average retired-worker benefit by roughly $56 to about $2,071 a month.
  • The standard Part B premium climbs by $17.90 to $202.90, which will be deducted from many checks.
  • January SSI was issued early on Dec. 31, 2025, with the February SSI payment scheduled for Jan. 30.
  • Program benchmarks rise for 2026, including a $4,152 maximum at full retirement age and up to $5,251 for those claiming at 70.