What You Need To Know
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, which is up from 2.5% in 2025, but is still among the smaller increases in recent years, according to a Kiplinger article headlined, 2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%: What You Need to Know.
For the average retiree, that translates into an increase of about $56 per month, with the average monthly benefit rising from roughly $2,015 to $2,071. Married couples can expect an average monthly check to climb from about $3,120 to $3,208.
Putting It In Perspective
While the 2.8% increase is slightly above the recent average (around 2.6% over the past 20 years), it may not keep pace with rising costs in housing, health care, or other retirement-specific expenses. As the article notes, a 2.8% increase is modest, especially for retirees whose cost increases may be higher.
Other Key Updates
Beyond the COLA, two other Social Security figures are changing in 2026. The taxable wage base, which is the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax, will rise from $176,100 in 2025 to $184,500.
Additionally, the amount needed to earn a Social Security work credit will increase slightly.
In 2026, you’ll earn one credit for every $1,890 of income. You can earn up to four credits per year, and most workers need 40 credits total (roughly 10 years of work) to qualify for full retirement benefits at their full retirement age.
What You Should Do Next
Review your benefit statement with your financial services professional and calculate if the increase will meet your expected costs. If you’re still working and collecting benefits early, check how earnings limits could affect your payments.
Source:
https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/social-security-cola-2026