Social Security 2026 COLA: 2.8% Increase Announced; What It Means for SSI, VA Disability, and Medicare Part B in 2026
Social Security has set the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at 2.8%, lifting monthly benefits for roughly 71–75 million people beginning with January 2026 payments. For SSI, the higher rate first appears in the December 31, 2025 deposit (the January benefit, paid early). By law, VA disability compensation and related survivor benefits will also rise 2.8% on the December 2025 pay cycle, reflected in January deposits.
Social Security 2026 COLA: key numbers at a glance
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COLA: +2.8% (2026)
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First SSI payment at new rate: Dec. 31, 2025
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First Social Security retirement/disability payment at new rate: January 2026
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Who’s included: Retirement, survivors, SSDI, SSI; VA disability mirrors the SSA COLA
What a 2.8% COLA looks like in dollars
| Your current monthly benefit | 2026 increase (approx.) | New monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | +$28 | $1,028 |
| $1,500 | +$42 | $1,542 |
| $2,000 | +$56 | $2,056 |
| $3,000 | +$84 | $3,084 |
Tip: Log in to my Social Security to see your updated benefit notice once posted and to verify your payment dates.
Earnings test and other 2026 SSA thresholds (high level)
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Earnings limit under full retirement age (FRA) all year (2026): $24,480; $1 is withheld for every $2 over the limit.
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Year you reach FRA (2026): $65,160 until the month you hit FRA; $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit.
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Payment schedule: Retirement/SSDI benefits arrive on your assigned Wednesday each month; SSI pays on the 1st (or the prior business day if the 1st is a weekend/holiday).
Medicare Part B premium 2026: what to expect
Final 2026 Part B premiums are typically published in late fall. Current projections place the standard Part B premium near the low–$200s per month (around $206–$207), up from 2025. Income-related surcharges (IRMAA) are also expected to tick higher modestly. If you’re receiving Social Security, your COLA helps offset the Part B premium increase, but the exact net effect depends on your benefit size and whether IRMAA applies.
Planning moves now
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Check your 2024 tax MAGI against projected 2026 IRMAA brackets.
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If you’re on the cusp of a surcharge tier, discuss timing of Roth conversions or capital gains with a tax pro.
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During Medicare’s fall enrollment windows, compare Medigap/Advantage/Part D plans for drug formularies, out-of-pocket caps, and premiums that fit your 2026 budget.
VA disability pay rates 2026: +2.8% across the board
Because VA compensation tracks the SSA COLA, VA disability, DIC, SMC and related payments rise 2.8% effective December 1, 2025 (paid starting January 2026). The exact dollar amount depends on your rating and dependent status, but the percentage bump is uniform. Veterans can review the new chart by rating once published and confirm deposit dates on the 2026 payment calendar.
SSI and low-income retirees: guard your net benefit
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SSI recipients see the same 2.8% adjustment, with the Dec. 31, 2025 payment reflecting the increase.
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If you pay for Part B out of a small Social Security check, your net monthly increase may be slimmer after premiums. Verify your COLA notice in my Social Security, then update any linked budgets or benefit coordination (e.g., housing assistance, SNAP) that use your income figure.
Five quick actions to take before January 2026
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Open/verify your my Social Security account and confirm your address, direct deposit, and contact preferences.
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Estimate your net: apply 2.8% to your current benefit and subtract your projected 2026 Part B premium to get a realistic monthly figure.
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Review Medicare coverage during enrollment to avoid overpaying on premiums, deductibles, or drugs in 2026.
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For workers near FRA, check the 2026 earnings limits so a part-time job doesn’t unexpectedly reduce your checks.
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Veterans: match your rating/dependent status to the 2026 VA pay chart once posted and confirm your January deposit date.
What’s still developing
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Medicare Part B 2026: Final standard premium and IRMAA brackets for 2026 will be confirmed in the official fall notice; current numbers are projections and could shift slightly.
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Payroll tax and other SSA thresholds: Additional 2026 technical adjustments (like the wage base) are published separately; watch for year-end circulars.
With a 2.8% Social Security COLA and a likely modest Part B premium increase, most beneficiaries should see a net gain in monthly income for 2026. Use the figures above as a planning baseline, then confirm your official notices in my Social Security as they post.
