The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) changes your monthly benefit for the new year. This guide explains how the Social Security 2026 COLA works, who can get a payment early, and how to estimate the dollar increase.
What is the Social Security 2026 COLA?
COLA is an annual increase tied to inflation and announced by the Social Security Administration each October. It applies to benefits payable starting in January of the following year.
The COLA raises gross monthly benefits by a percentage. Your exact dollar increase depends on your current benefit amount and the announced COLA percentage.
Who Gets Paid Early With the Social Security 2026 COLA?
Some recipients receive their January payment a few days early because of standard payment rules and holiday scheduling. The groups most likely to be paid early are listed below.
SSI recipients (payments on the first of the month)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are normally payable on the first of the month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is made on the preceding business day.
That scheduling can mean SSI recipients effectively receive their January payment (with the new COLA) in late December when the first lands on a holiday.
Some Social Security benefit recipients (holiday schedule)
Regular Social Security benefits are paid on a monthly schedule based on date of birth or by specific payment rules. When a normal payment day lands on a federal holiday, the payment is often issued earlier in the week.
As a result, a small number of beneficiaries may see their January benefit arrive a few days before the first of January.
How Much You Will Receive From the Social Security 2026 COLA
To estimate the increase, apply the COLA percentage to your current gross monthly benefit. The formula is simple:
- New benefit = Current benefit × (1 + COLA percentage)
- Increase = New benefit − Current benefit
Below are example calculations for different hypothetical COLA rates. These are illustrative — the official COLA percent will be announced by SSA in October.
- Example A — Current benefit $1,200; COLA 3%: Increase = $36; New benefit = $1,236.
- Example B — Current benefit $1,500; COLA 4%: Increase = $60; New benefit = $1,560.
- Example C — Current benefit $2,000; COLA 5%: Increase = $100; New benefit = $2,100.
What reduces the net increase?
Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, and any applicable taxes on benefits, may lower the net amount you actually see in your bank account. Medicare premiums are often deducted from your Social Security benefit in January.
For some people, higher Medicare premiums offset part or all of the COLA. SSA generally explains this timing each fall.
SSA announces the COLA in October and the adjustment is reflected in benefits payable in January. Some SSI recipients may get the January payment a business day early when the first of the month is a holiday.
Small Real‑World Example
Case study: Maria is 67 and currently receives $1,400 per month in Social Security. The SSA announces a 4% COLA for 2026.
- Gross increase = $1,400 × 0.04 = $56
- New gross benefit = $1,400 + $56 = $1,456
- If her Medicare Part B premium increases by $15 per month, her net increase = $56 − $15 = $41
This is a hypothetical example to show calculation steps. Exact amounts depend on the official COLA and any changes in premiums or taxes.
How to Check Your Exact Payment and Estimate Impact
Use these steps to confirm your personal situation and timing.
- Sign in to My Social Security at ssa.gov to view your benefit amount and payment schedule.
- Watch SSA news releases in October for the official COLA percentage.
- Read your annual Social Security statement or benefit verification letter for current amounts.
- Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office if you need a personalized estimate.
Timing tips
If you receive SSI or your regular payment day falls near a federal holiday, expect an earlier payment date around late December or the final business day before New Year’s Day.
SSA posts annual payment schedules that show exact dates for each birth-date group and for SSI. Check the schedule for the applicable year to confirm when your payment will post.
Final Notes
The Social Security 2026 COLA will increase gross benefits beginning in January, but who actually sees the money early depends on payment rules for SSI and holiday shifts. Use the simple formula above to estimate your increase, and check My Social Security for precise numbers and payment dates.
If you rely on Social Security for most of your income, plan for the effect of Medicare premium changes and taxes so you know your likely net increase before January payments arrive.