Millions of American retirees and beneficiaries are set to receive a welcome boost to their monthly income in 2026. The federal government has announced an increase in Social Security payments to help them keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Key Details of the 2026 Social Security COLA Increase
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 has been set at 2.8%. This marks an increase from the 2.5% adjustment seen in 2025. The enhanced payments began reaching beneficiaries just before the New Year's holiday, ensuring a stronger financial start to 2026 for approximately 75 million Americans who rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Alongside the benefit hike, the government has also raised the ceiling on taxable earnings. For 2026, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax has been increased to $184,500.
Revised Earnings Limits for Beneficiaries
The rules for working while receiving benefits have also been updated with new earnings limits. For workers who are younger than the full retirement age, the limit for 2026 is $24,480. If they earn more than this amount, the government will deduct $1 from their benefits for every $2 earned above the limit.
For individuals who will reach their full retirement age during 2026, a higher earnings limit of $65,160 applies. In this case, $1 will be deducted from benefits for every $3 earned over this threshold until the month they attain full retirement age.
How Much More Will Beneficiaries Receive?
The 2.8% COLA translates into tangible increases for various categories of recipients. Here is a breakdown of the new average monthly payments:
- Retired Workers: The average payment rises from $2,015 to $2,071.
- Aged Couples (both receiving benefits): Payments increase from $3,120 to $3,208.
- Widowed Mothers with Two Children: Benefits go up from $3,792 to $3,898.
- Aged Widow or Widower Living Alone: The payment increases from $1,867 to $1,919.
- Disabled Worker with Spouse and Child(ren): Benefits rise from $2,857 to $2,937.
- All Disabled Workers: The average payment increases from $1,586 to $1,630.
Updated 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
The schedule for distributing Social Security benefits has been modified for 2026. Payments will now be issued on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, determined by the beneficiary's birth date.
Payment dates are as follows:
- Birth date between the 1st and 10th of a month: Payment on the second Wednesday.
- Birth date between the 11th and 20th: Payment on the third Wednesday.
- Birth date between the 21st and 31st: Payment on the fourth Wednesday.
There is one notable exception to this pattern in November 2026. Because the second Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans' Day (a federal holiday), beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th will receive their payment on Tuesday, November 10.
Schedule for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments
For recipients of Supplemental Security Income, payments are typically made on the first day of each month. However, if the 1st falls on a weekend or a holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day of the preceding month.
In 2026, this adjustment will affect payments for February, March, August, and November, as the first of those months lands on a weekend. Beneficiaries should plan their finances accordingly for these months.
These annual adjustments are a critical mechanism to protect the purchasing power of retirees, survivors, and disabled individuals. The 2026 COLA and the updated payment calendar are designed to provide timely and increased financial support to millions of households across the United States.
