The long-awaited cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is finally here for millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the U.S. For 2026, a 2.8% increase will be added to monthly benefits, offering some relief to people who rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
However, due to how the Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules payments, not everyone will get their raise at the same time. A small group will see their increased amount on December 31, while most others will need to wait until January 2026.
Key Takeaways
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| COLA Increase for 2026 | 2.8% |
| Average benefit increase | $56/month |
| Early payment date for SSI | December 31, 2025 |
| Regular SSA payment schedule | Based on birthdate, in January 2026 |
| Criticism | COLA doesn’t match true cost of living for seniors |
Who Gets the Raise Early on December 31?
SSI beneficiaries will be the first to receive the new 2.8% increase — not because they’re being prioritized, but due to how holidays affect payment schedules. January 1 is a federal holiday, so these checks will be issued on the last business day before it — which is December 31.
Normally, SSI payments are made on the 1st of each month. When that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA moves the payment to the previous weekday. So this early payment is only a shift in schedule, not an extra payment.
Most People Will Get Their COLA Raise in January
The majority of Social Security recipients — including those getting retirement, disability, or survivor benefits — will see their increased payments in January 2026. These payments follow the usual SSA schedule, based on birthdates:
- Birthdays between the 1st and 10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month.
- Birthdays between the 11th and 20th: Paid on the third Wednesday.
- Birthdays between the 21st and 31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday.
So depending on when your birthday falls, you might not see the raise until mid- or even late January.
What Does the 2.8% Increase Mean in Real Money?
For many people, the 2.8% raise may not seem like much, but it’s still a helpful boost during times of rising living costs. Here’s a look at the expected changes:
- Average monthly benefit increase: From about $2,008 to roughly $2,064 — an increase of $56 per month.
- SSI maximum benefits:
- Individuals: From $967 to $994 per month.
- Couples: From $1,450 to $1,491 per month.
However, the actual amount received can vary depending on each person’s income, disability status, and other eligibility factors.
Critics Say the Raise Is Still Not Enough
While the 2.8% increase is a step in the right direction, many senior citizen advocates feel it doesn’t go far enough. According to The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), the current COLA calculation based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) doesn’t reflect the real costs that seniors face.
They argue that older Americans spend more on healthcare, prescription drugs, and housing — areas where prices have surged. TSCL has suggested switching to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) or introducing a system that guarantees a minimum 3% COLA, regardless of the inflation index.
As TSCL’s executive director Shannon Benton put it, “The 2026 COLA is going to hurt for seniors,” especially when nearly 10% of retirement-age Americans are still living in poverty.
The 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 brings some financial relief to Social Security and SSI recipients, helping them manage rising costs. However, the timing of the payment depends on the type of benefit and your birthdate.
While the raise will help, many believe it still falls short of what’s truly needed to keep up with the real cost of growing older in America. The discussion around fairer COLA adjustments is likely to continue, especially as more seniors feel the pressure of inflation.
FAQ
Q1: What is the COLA increase for 2026?
The Social Security COLA increase for 2026 is 2.8%, designed to help beneficiaries keep up with rising living costs.
Q2: Who will get their increased Social Security payment early?
SSI beneficiaries will receive their adjusted payments on December 31, 2025, due to the January 1 holiday.
Q3: When will most people get their increased Social Security benefits?
Most recipients will get their increased checks in January 2026, based on their birthdate.
Q4: How much more will the average person receive?
On average, beneficiaries will see about $56 more per month added to their payments.
Q5: Why do some people think the COLA isn’t enough?
Critics argue that the current COLA formula doesn’t reflect real senior living costs like healthcare and housing, and they’re pushing for reforms.
