What will my 2026 benefit amount be after the COLA — and when do I get notice?

The official information regarding the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has been announced.

Here is the breakdown of the 2026 COLA and when you can expect your notice:

2026 Social Security COLA

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%.

How to Estimate Your New Benefit

To estimate your new monthly benefit amount, you can apply the 2.8% increase to your current 2025 monthly benefit:

Estimated New Monthly Benefit = Current 2025 Benefit x (1 + 0.028)

• For example, if your current monthly benefit is $1,800:
  • $1,800 x 0.028 = 50.40 (the estimated increase)
  • $1,800 + 50.40 = 1,850.40 (the estimated new monthly benefit)

The average Social Security retirement benefit is estimated to increase by about $56 per month, rising from an estimated $2,015 to $2,071 in January 2026.

Your First Increased Payment:

The 2.8% COLA increase will begin with benefits payable in January 2026.

When You Get Notice of Your New Amount

The Social Security Administration will send out official notices detailing your specific new benefit amount in December 2025.

• Online Access (Fastest): Your personalized COLA notice is typically available in the Message Center of your personal my Social Security account starting in late November 2025. If you have an account and signed up for digital notices by the specified cutoff date (usually mid-November), this is the fastest way to get your official number.
• By Mail: Paper notices are mailed throughout the entire month of December 2025.

Your notice will include your exact new benefit amount and the amount of any Medicare Part B premium deduction for 2026 (if applicable), which is also typically announced in November.