2026 Social Security COLA Increase Explained: Updated SSI, SSDI, VA Benefits and Schedule
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 …