2026 COLA increase for Social Security: what’s changing for benefits, Medicare Part B, SSI, and VA rates
A new year will bring a 2.8% Social Security COLA increase in 2026, lifting monthly payments for roughly 75 million people across retirement, disability, and survivors programs, with SSI checks rising on the same schedule. While the bump is modest, it arrives alongside higher wage and work-credit thresholds and an expected uptick in Medicare Part B costs that could absorb a noticeable slice of the raise for many retirees.
Social Security COLA 2026: how much and when it hits
The 2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%. For the average retired worker, that translates to roughly +$56 a month, putting the typical monthly benefit near $2,071 in 2026. Couples who both receive benefits will average about $3,208.
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First month payable: Benefits with the 2.8% COLA are effective for December 2025, paid in January 2026 on the regular schedule.
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SSI timing: Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the first SSI payment reflecting the 2026 COLA is paid on December 31, 2025.
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my Social Security: Beneficiaries typically receive COLA notices in early December; those with a my Social Security account can view updated benefit letters online once they’re posted.
Key 2026 Social Security numbers (SSA)
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| COLA (benefits) | 2.8% |
| Taxable wage cap (OASDI) | $184,500 |
| One work credit (Quarter of Coverage) | $1,890 in earnings |
| Earnings test (under FRA, full year) | $24,480/yr ($2,040/mo); $1 withheld for every $2 over the limit |
| Earnings test (reaching FRA in 2026) | $65,160/yr ($5,430/mo); $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit, until the month FRA is reached |
Tip: These limits affect withholding before full retirement age (FRA). Withheld amounts are not “lost”; your benefit is recalculated at FRA to account for months withheld.
Medicare Part B premium 2026: what to expect
Final, official premiums and deductibles for 2026 have not been released yet. Current projections suggest the standard Part B premium could land near the low $200s per month (around $206.50), with the annual Part B deductible potentially around $288. Those numbers are estimates and can change when the federal notice is issued. Higher-income enrollees will continue to face IRMAA surcharges on Parts B and D; updated brackets are typically finalized alongside the premium announcement.
What this means for your raise: If the standard Part B premium rises by roughly $20+ per month, it could consume a material share of the average ~+$56 monthly COLA for retirees enrolled in both Social Security and Medicare, leaving a smaller net increase in the deposit.
SSI and “my Social Security”: timing and access
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SSI recipients see the 2.8% increase with the December 31, 2025 payment.
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If you haven’t already, create or log in to my Social Security to view your 2026 benefit verification letter, payment schedule, and earnings record. This is also where you can update direct deposit details and mailing address.
VA disability pay chart 2026 and other federal benefits
The 2026 COLA also applies to VA disability compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). As with Social Security, the increase is 2.8%, and the first VA payment reflecting the new rate is scheduled for December 31, 2025 (reflecting the January entitlement).
Note: Individual VA payment amounts vary by disability rating and dependent status. Veterans should check the updated 2026 charts for their specific rating level once posted to official channels.
Planning moves to keep more of your 2026 raise
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Update your budget: Model both the gross COLA and a range of Part B premium outcomes to estimate your net monthly change.
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Check tax withholding: A higher monthly benefit may affect year-end tax owed; consider adjusting withholding or estimated payments.
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Mind the earnings test: If working before FRA, track gross wages against the $24,480 limit to avoid unexpected withholding.
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Medicare review: During fall open enrollment, compare Medicare Advantage and Part D options. Formularies, premiums, and out-of-pocket caps can shift year to year.
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Set alerts in my Social Security: Opt into electronic notices so you see your finalized 2026 benefit and any Medicare adjustments as soon as they post.
Quick answers to top searches (2026)
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“Social Security 2026 COLA increase / COLA for 2026 / SSA COLA 2026 / COLA 2026 / Social Security increase 2026 / Social Security COLA 2026”: 2.8%; first payable with January 2026 checks (SSI reflected Dec. 31, 2025).
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“Medicare Part B premium 2026”: Final figure pending; projections center near $206.50 with a deductible around $288; watch for the official federal announcement.
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“VA disability pay chart 2026 / 2026 VA disability rates”: 2.8% COLA applied; first increased VA payment Dec. 31, 2025.
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“My Social Security / Social Security Administration”: Use your my Social Security account to view your 2026 benefit letter, payment dates, and to manage personal info and direct deposit.
Status note: Social Security’s 2.8% COLA and the 2026 wage/earnings thresholds are final. Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for 2026 are not yet finalized and remain subject to official release.
