Introduction
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, effective for benefits starting in January 2026 for most recipients. This increase, based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, helps approximately 75 million Americans keep pace with inflation. It applies to Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability benefits (including SSDI), as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation and survivor benefits also receive the same 2.8 percent COLA, effective December 1, 2025. While modest compared to recent high-inflation years, this adjustment translates to an average monthly boost of about $56 for retired workers. Here’s a clear breakdown of the 2026 COLA details, updated benefit amounts for SSI, SSDI, and VA, plus the standard payment schedule so families and beneficiaries can plan ahead.
The 2.8% COLA Breakdown: What It Means for Your Benefits
The COLA is automatic and applies uniformly across qualifying programs. Social Security notices began mailing in December 2025, showing personalized new amounts.
- Social Security Retirement Benefits — Average monthly benefit rises from about $2,015 in 2025 to $2,071 in 2026 (increase of ~$56).
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) — Average monthly payment increases from $1,586 to $1,630 (~$44 more). Maximum benefit climbs to $4,152.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — Federal maximums rise to $994 for an individual (up $27 from $967), $1,491 for a couple (up $41 from $1,450), and $498 for an essential person.
- VA Disability Compensation — All ratings see a 2.8% boost effective December 1, 2025 (first reflected in January 2026 payments). For example, a 100% disabled veteran with no dependents sees an increase of around $100+ depending on exact prior amount; check VA.gov for precise tables.
This COLA is higher than the 2.5% in 2025 but lower than peak years like 8.7% in 2023, reflecting cooling inflation trends.
Updated 2026 Benefit Amounts After COLA
Here are the key maximum and average figures post-2.8% adjustment:
- SSI Federal Maximum Payments
- Individual: $994/month
- Eligible couple: $1,491/month
- Essential person: $498/month (Note: Actual amounts reduce based on countable income; many states add supplements.)
- SSDI Average and Maximum
- Average disabled worker: $1,630/month (up $44)
- Maximum family benefit examples (worker, spouse, children): ~$2,937 (up from $2,857)
- Highest individual benefit: $4,152/month
- VA Disability Compensation Examples (Effective Dec 1, 2025)
- 10%: ~$180.42/month
- 50%: Varies by dependents (e.g., veteran alone higher than prior year by ~2.8%)
- 100%: Significant boost (e.g., veteran with spouse and child sees notable dollar increase) Full updated charts available on VA.gov/disability/compensation-rates.
Benefits are prorated or adjusted for work earnings, dependents, or other factors—use SSA’s online calculators for personalized estimates.
2026 Social Security and SSI Payment Schedule
Payments follow a predictable monthly pattern based on birth date or benefit type. Direct deposit is standard for fastest receipt.
- Social Security (Retirement, Survivors, SSDI)
- 3rd of the month: If you started benefits before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI.
- Second Wednesday: Birth dates 1st–10th.
- Third Wednesday: Birth dates 11th–20th.
- Fourth Wednesday: Birth dates 21st–31st.
- SSI Payments Typically on the 1st of the month (or last business day prior if weekend/holiday). For those with both Social Security and SSI, SSI hits the 1st, Social Security on the 3rd.
The 2026 calendar (from SSA Publication EN-05-10031) shows staggered Wednesdays throughout the year—no major changes to the structure. If a payment date falls on a holiday, it shifts to the prior business day.
Conclusion
The 2026 2.8% COLA provides a meaningful but modest boost to help offset living costs, with SSI recipients seeing the first increased payment on December 31, 2025 (for January), Social Security/SSDI in January checks, and VA benefits starting January 2026. While not as generous as some hoped, it’s automatic and reliable. Check your mySocialSecurity account, SSA.gov/cola, or VA.gov for exact personalized amounts and notices. If your situation involves work earnings, dependents, or state supplements, contact SSA (800-772-1213) or your local office early to confirm impacts. Planning around the payment schedule ensures you budget effectively—your increased benefits are already on the way.