Millions of Americans depend on the social security payment each month to cover the essential expenses such as rent, groceries, healthcare and others. These social security payments are important for seniors, retirees, disabled residents and low income residents. Each year, the SSA adjusts these benefits to keep up with the inflation through COLA. This adjustment ensures that beneficiaries can maintain the purchasing power even as the prices of goods and services rise. The Social Security Monthly Increase for 2026 is expected to be announced soon. People are waiting for the COLA announcements which are expected to be announced on 15th October 2025.
Social Security Monthly Increase
The Social Security Monthly Increase can help in stabilizing the financial lives of older adults, people with disabilities and survivors. Each year, the SSA calculates the COLA by comparing inflation data from the CPI-W during the 3rd quarter of the current year with the same period from the previous year. For 2026, the COLA is projected to be around 2.7% to 2.8%. As the September 2025 CPI-W is expected to be announced on 15th Oct 2025, the COLA would also be announced as per this schedule. When the COLA is released, the social security benefits would be effective from 1st Jan 2026 and the Veterans benefits would be effective from 1st December 2025.
SSA Monthly Benefits Increase – Key Highlights
| Announcement | Social Security Monthly Increase |
| Country Name | United States |
| Benefit Name | SSA Benefits including SSI, SSDI & VA Benefits |
| Managing Authority | Social Security Administration |
| COLA Increase Announcement | Expected on 15th October 2025 |
| 2026 COLA | Expected 2.7% to 2.8% |
| 2025 COLA | 2.5% |
| Effective From | 1st January 2026 |
| Category of the Post | Finance |
| Official Web Portal | www.ssa.gov |
Social Security 2026 COLA Announcement
The 2026 COLA announcement will be released around 15th Oct 2025. But as of now, the ongoing US government shutdown could delay the 2026 COLA announcement. The SSA depends on the data from the BLS to calculate the final COLA percentage. As of now, it’s expected that the COLA will be around 2.7% to 2.8%. This expected COLA is slightly over the 2.5% 2025 COLA. It means the beneficiaries will get a little more than 2025.
SSA Benefit Payments Increase
Let’s check with this expected 2.7% COLA and 2.8% COLA, how much will social security beneficiaries get from 1st January 2026.
| Benefit Type | Current Amount (2025) | New Amount (Based on 2.7% COLA) | New Amount (Based on 2.8% COLA) |
| SSI Individual | $967 Per Month | $993.11 Per Month | $994.08 Per Month |
| SSI Couple | $1,450 Per Month | $1,489.15 Per Month | $1,490.60 Per Month |
| SSI Essential Person | $484 Per Month | $497.07 Per Month | $497.55 Per Month |
| SSDI Maximum Payment | $4,018 Per Month | $4,126.49 Per Month | $4,130.50 Per Month |
| Retirement Benefit at 62 Years | $2,831 Per Month | $2,907.44 Per Month | $2,910.27 Per Month |
| Retirement Benefit at FRA | $4,018 Per Month | $4,126.49 Per Month | $4,130.50 Per Month |
| Retirement Benefit at 70 Years | $5,108 Per Month | $5,245.49 Per Month | $5,250.02 Per Month |
VA Benefits Increase
The expected 2.7% or 2.8% COLA for 2026 will be applicable from 1st December 2025 for Veterans Benefits. There are a lot of benefits that are given to the veterans by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits will also be adjusted due to the COLA increase. These same COLA rates will be applicable to veterans benefits including disability compensation, pension and other benefits.
FAQs Related To Social Security Monthly Increase
- When will the 2026 COLA be officially announced?
- The 2026 COLA is expected to be officially announced on 15th Oct, 2025. But due to Government shutdown, the announcement of 2026 COLA could face a short delay.
- What is the expected COLA increase for 2026?
- The expected COLA increase for 2026 will range between 2.7% and 2.8% depending on the final inflation data from CPI-W.
- When will the new Social Security Benefit Amounts be effective?
- The new Social Security Benefit Amounts would be effective from 1st Jan 2026. For veterans, the updated payments will take effect on 1st December 2025 but recipients might see the change in the January 2026 deposit.
- How does the SSA decide the COLA each year?
- The SSA bases the COLA on inflation data from the CPI-W. If the prices rise, the COLA increases benefits to help beneficiaries keep up with living costs.
- Do US residents need to apply to get the new COLA increase?
- No, the COLA Adjustment is automatic. The new benefit amount will appear directly in the January 2026 payment.
