Millions of Americans will see bigger Social Security payments in 2026, as a new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and updated payment rules take effect under changes announced by the Social Security Administration.
The 2026 updates affect roughly 75 million beneficiaries, including retirees, disabled workers and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Along with higher monthly payments, the agency has adjusted income limits and confirmed how checks will be distributed throughout the year.
Why Social Security benefits are rising in 2026
Social Security benefits will increase 2.8% in 2026, up from a 2.5% adjustment in 2025. The annual COLA is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation, especially as food, housing and medical costs remain elevated.
The higher payments began going out just before the New Year, meaning January 2026 checks already reflect the increase.
Key 2026 COLA highlights
- 2.8% benefit increase for Social Security and SSI
- Impacts 75 million Americans
- First higher payments issued before the New Year
How much bigger will Social Security checks be?
The COLA boost translates into meaningful monthly increases for many households.
Here’s how average benefits change in January 2026:
- Retired workers:
$2,071 per month (up from $2,015) - Aged couples (both receiving benefits):
$3,208 (up from $3,120) - Widowed mother with two children:
$3,898 (up from $3,792) - Aged widow(er) living alone:
$1,919 (up from $1,867) - Disabled worker with spouse and one or more children:
$2,937 (up from $2,857) - All disabled workers (average):
$1,630 (up from $1,586)
Social Security income limits rise in 2026
Several earnings thresholds are also increasing, which affects both workers paying into the system and beneficiaries who are still employed.
Updated income and tax limits
- Maximum taxable earnings: $184,500
- Earnings limit (under full retirement age): $24,480
- $1 withheld for every $2 earned above the limit
- Earnings limit (reaching retirement age in 2026): $65,160
- $1 withheld for every $3 earned above the limit until full retirement age
2026 Social Security payment schedule
Social Security benefits will continue to be paid on a staggered schedule based on birth date.
When payments are sent
- Born 1st–10th: Second Wednesday of the month
- Born 11th–20th: Third Wednesday of the month
- Born 21st–31st: Fourth Wednesday of the month
November 2026 exception
- Beneficiaries born 1st–10th will be paid Tuesday, Nov. 10, due to Veterans Day falling on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The full 2026 payment calendar is available directly from the Social Security Administration.
SSI payment dates in 2026
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are generally paid on the first of each month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are issued at the end of the previous month.
In 2026, this early-payment shift will occur in:
- February
- March
- August
- November
What beneficiaries should know
With higher monthly checks, updated earnings limits and a clearly defined payment calendar, 2026 brings meaningful changes for Social Security and SSI recipients. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their payment dates, monitor income thresholds and confirm direct deposit information to avoid delays.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure.
If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.