Overview
- A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment takes effect with January 2026 benefits, lifting the average retired worker’s monthly check from about $2,015 to $2,071 and raising the SSI federal maximum to $994 for individuals.
- The SSA’s January schedule is set: SSI for January is paid on Dec. 31, pre–May 1997 beneficiaries are paid on Jan. 2, and other payments arrive Jan. 14, Jan. 21, or Jan. 28 based on birthdate.
- The standard Medicare Part B premium rises to $202.90 in January, reducing the take-home gain many retirees will see from the COLA.
- Key 2026 program updates include higher earnings-test limits ($24,480 under full retirement age and $65,160 in the year of reaching it), a higher taxable wage cap of $184,500, and an increased work-credit value of $1,890.
- The SSA advises checking with your bank if a deposit does not post on the scheduled date and waiting up to three working days before contacting the agency.