2026 Social Security Changes: In order to help 75 million Americans combat inflation, Social Security payouts will rise by 2.8% in 2026. For retirees, disabled workers, and SSI beneficiaries, this Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increases monthly benefits. Beginning in January, the majority of beneficiaries will get larger amounts. However, because of the New Year’s Day holiday, SSI recipients receive their first raise on December 31, 2025.
2026 Social Security Changes
As 2026 gets underway, Social Security beneficiaries nationwide are getting ready for major adjustments to their monthly benefits. A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits has been certified by the Social Security Administration (SSA). About 75 million Americans are impacted by this adjustment, which attempts to assist low-income beneficiaries, retirees, and disabled workers in keeping up with growing living expenses.
The shift occurs much sooner for millions of SSI beneficiaries. Because the first scheduled payment in January falls on New Year’s Day, a federal holiday, over 7.5 million SSI recipients will notice an increase in their benefits on December 31, 2025. Beneficiaries won’t miss their regular payments thanks to this modification. The average monthly SSI payout for individuals will rise from $967 in 2025 to $994 in 2026 as a result of the increase. SSI benefits for couples will increase from $1,450 to $1,491.
Benefits will also extend to retirees who have reached full retirement age. When an employee reaches full retirement age, their monthly Social Security benefits will rise from $4,018 in 2025 to $4,152 in 2026. In the meantime, the maximum compensation could increase from $5,108 to $5,251 for individuals who wait until age 70 to retire. In order to protect the spending power of older individuals and other beneficiaries, SSA continues to work to align benefits with inflation, which is reflected in these modifications.
January 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
The distribution of Social Security benefits is determined on the date of your birth. The following dates in January 2026 are when recipients can anticipate payments:
- January 14: 1st–10th birthday
- January 21: 11th–20th birthday
- January 28: 21–31 birthday
Because January 1 falls on New Year’s Day, a federal holiday, SSI recipients will get their January payment on January 30 rather than January 1. For beneficiaries who depend on timely assistance, this modification guarantees that no one misses their scheduled payment and preserves consistency.
February 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
Social Security beneficiaries will view their benefits for February 2026 on:
- February 11: 1–10 birthday
- February 18: 11th–20th birthday
- February 25: 21–31 birthday
Because February 1 occurs on a weekend, SSI payments for February will be made on February 27. To guarantee that claimants receive their money on time, the SSA meticulously schedules payment dates around weekends and holidays. Beneficiaries can effectively manage their monthly expenditures and necessary expenses thanks to this scheduling.
In 2026, How Much Will Social Security Payouts Rise?
A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and SSI benefits in 2026 has been announced by the SSA. Monthly benefits for retired employees will increase from $2,015 in 2025 to $2,071. Benefits for couples can be expected to total $3,208 per month. Benefits for widowed mothers with two children are estimated to reach $3,898.
These hikes are intended to keep up with inflation and growing living expenses, such as housing, healthcare, and daily costs. Millions of Americans are able to preserve their purchasing power despite rising costs because to the 2.8% increase, which is among the biggest in recent years.
Why Is It Important For Recipients To Check Their Social Security Statements?
In light of the revised payment amounts, experts advise Social Security claimants to carefully check their statements and financial plans. You may successfully manage your spending and prevent surprises if you are aware of your updated benefit. Recipients can better manage necessities like rent, utilities, groceries, and medical bills with larger payments, particularly in light of the persistent economic constraints in 2026.
In order to guarantee that beneficiaries receive their complete, accurate benefits on schedule, it is also helpful to regularly review statements in order to spot any potential problems or revisions that might require attention.