Social Security benefits are adjusted every year to help retirees and other beneficiaries to manage rising living costs. These yearly adjustments are made through a COLA. The COLA ensures that social security payments do not lose their value due to inflation. From Jan 2026, the social security beneficiaries will see updated payment amounts after a 2.8% COLA raise. The Social Security Benefits January 2026 After COLA Raise applies to retirement benefits, SSDI Payments and SSI Payments. These changes affect both current beneficiaries and people who plan to claim benefits in 2026.
Social Security Benefits January 2026 After COLA Raise
The Social Security Benefits January 2026 After COLA Raise is based on a 2.8% increase that would be applied to existing benefit levels. This adjustment affects all categories of social security benefits including SSI, SSDI, retirement and survivors payment. The COLA Increase raises monthly payments including average payments, maximum payments. Not every qualified person receives the same amount and this adjustment helps people to protect their purchasing power and reflect changes in prices for everyday goods and services.
SSA New Benefit Amounts With 2.8% COLA In 2026
| Post Title | Social Security Benefits January 2026 After COLA Raise |
| Year | 2026 |
| Month | January |
| Country Name | United States of America |
| Name of the Benefit | Social Security Payments including retirement, SSI and SSDI |
| Managing Administration | Social Security Administration |
| Who Qualifies? | Social Security claimants including low income residents, seniors, disabled residents |
| Purpose | To provide sufficient financial support |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly |
| Payment Rates | Check out this guide |
| Increase | 2.8% |
| Effective from | 1st January 2026 |
| Category of the Post | US Finance |
| Official Web Portal | www.ssa.gov |
Social Security New Benefit Amounts 2026
Check out the new maximum and average social security payments amounts that would take effect from 1st January 2026. These social security payments include SSI, SSDI and Retirement Benefit. These social security payments get an increase of 2.8% as the COLA decided for 2026 is 2.8%. It means that all social security payments would be increased by 2.8% starting January 2026:
| Payment Name | 2025 Amount | 2026 Amount | Hike |
| SSDI Benefit (Maximum) | $4,018 / M | $4,152 / M | $134 / M |
| SSI Payment for Singles (Maximum) | $967 / M | $994 / M | $27 / M |
| SSI Payment for Married Couples (Maximum) | $1,450 / M | $1,491 / M | $41 / M |
| Retirement Payment at Full FRA (Maximum) | $4,018 / M | $4,152 / M | $134 / M |
| Retirement Payment at Age 62 Years (Maximum) | $2,831 / M | $2,969 / M | $138 / M |
| Retirement Payment at Age 70 Years (Maximum) | $5,108 / M | $5,181 / M | $163 / M |
| Average Retirement Payment | $2,015 / M | $2,071 / M | $56 / M |
| Aged Couple claiming both benefits (Average) | $3,120 / M | $3,208 / M | $88 / M |
| Widowed Mother with 2 Children (Average) | $3,792 / M | $3,898 / M | $106 / M |
| Aged Widower Alone (Average) | $1,867 / M | $1,919 / M | $52 / M |
| Disabled Worker with Spouse and One or More Children (Average) | $2,857 / M | $2,937 / M | $80 / M |
| All Disabled Workers (Average) | $1,586 / M | $1,630 / M | $44 / M |
How is the 2026 COLA Calculated?
The COLA For 2026 is calculated using inflation data. Social security uses a price index which is called CPI-W to measure changes in the cost of everyday goods and services. Each year, SSA compares the average CPI-W for the third quarter with the average from the same period in the previous year. If prices have increased then social security benefits are adjusted upward by the same percentage. Based on the 2024 3rd Quarter CPI-W and 2025 3rd Quarter CPI-W, a 2.8% COLA for 2026 has been calculated.
FAQs Related To Social Security Benefits January 2026 After COLA Raise
What are the new Social Security Payment Amounts from Jan 2026?
After the 2.8% COLA, the Social Security payments have been increased from Jan 2026. It means that starting from Jan 2026, all social security payments would be increased by 2.8%. To know full amounts, check the above guide.
Will SSI and SSDI Payment increase in 2026?
Yes, the SSI and SSDI Payment increases in 2026.
Is an application required to get the COLA Increase 2026?
No, the COLA Increase 2026 would be applied automatically to all eligible beneficiaries. There is no need to make any kind of application for the social security COLA increase for 2026.
Where can beneficiaries know what they would get as part of Social Security Benefits in 2026?
Beneficiaries can check their “my Social Security Account” to know how much they can claim under the Social Security Benefits 2026.
How much COLA has been decided by SSA for 2026?
The 2.8% COLA has been decided by SSA for 2026.
