Amber
Most independent trackers currently point to a modest 2026 COLA of about 2.7%–2.8%. For the average retired worker, that would mean roughly +$54 to +$55 per month.
The official COLA is set each October using Q3 CPI-W inflation data and then applied to January 2026 payments.
Remember, the net increase you feel can be smaller if Medicare Part B premiums rise.
What’s Already Locked In For 2025
For 2025, the official COLA is 2.5%. Several standard program limits also moved:
- Taxable wage base (OASDI): $176,100
- Earnings test (under FRA): $23,400; in the year you reach FRA: $62,160
- Max benefit at FRA: $4,018/month
- SSI federal benefit rate: $967 (individual) and $1,450 (couple) per month
These numbers define how your contributions, eligibility, and monthly amounts are calculated through the year.
Medicare Costs That Affect Your Check
Because Medicare Part B premiums are typically deducted from Social Security, they change your take-home amount.
For 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185.00/month. Early industry forecasts suggest Part B could trend higher again in 2026, potentially offsetting part of the COLA.
Review your Medicare options during open enrollment to keep more of your raise.
Payment Dates: Who Gets Paid When
Monthly Social Security benefits generally follow this framework:
- If you first got benefits before May 1997 or receive SSI with Social Security: Social Security pays on the 3rd; SSI pays on the 1st (with holiday shifts when needed).
- All others are paid by birth-date group: 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of each month.
This schedule is expected to continue in 2026.
Will Full Retirement Age Change?
The legislated increase is complete. For people born in 1960 or later, Full Retirement Age (FRA) = 67.
There is no new law raising FRA beyond 67 at this time. Proposals regularly appear in policy debates, but nothing has changed in statute.
Long-Term Outlook To 2033–2034
Trustees project the OASI trust fund could be depleted around 2033, with a combined OASDI date around 2034 absent congressional action.
That would not zero-out benefits; it would trigger an automatic across-the-board reduction (often cited around three-quarters of scheduled amounts) unless lawmakers shore up financing.
This is a solvable policy issue, and adjustments have been enacted before.
Quick Reference (2025–2026)
| Item | What It Means | Key Figures | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 COLA (estimate) | Size of next year’s raise | ~2.7%–2.8% (~+$54–$55 avg.) | Announced October 2025; paid Jan 2026 |
| 2025 COLA (official) | Increase already applied | 2.5% | In effect 2025 |
| Part B premium (2025) | Reduces net Social Security | $185.00/month | In effect 2025 |
| Part B premium (2026) | Could offset 2026 COLA | Likely higher (watch for CMS update) | Expected late-2025 update |
| Taxable wage base (2025) | Payroll tax & benefit calc cap | $176,100 | In effect 2025 |
| Earnings test (2025) | Wages before withholdings kick in | $23,400 (under FRA); $62,160 (FRA year) | In effect 2025 |
| SSI rate (2025) | Federal minimum SSI amounts | $967 (ind.); $1,450 (couple) | In effect 2025 |
| Payment schedule | When your check arrives | Birth-date Wednesdays; 3rd (legacy) & 1st (SSI) | Ongoing |
| FRA | Age for unreduced benefit | 67 (born 1960+) | Ongoing |
How To Prepare
- Check your My Social Security account in October for the official 2026 COLA notice.
- If you’re working near FRA, plan around the earnings test to minimize withholdings.
- Review Medicare options to manage Part B costs and protect your net benefit.
The headline is a moderate 2026 COLA that could be trimmed by higher Medicare Part B premiums.
Use the 2025 baselines—2.5% COLA, $176,100 taxable max, updated earnings test limits, and the SSI rates—to plan cash flow.
Confirm your COLA in October, evaluate Medicare during open enrollment, and time work income around FRA rules so more of your raise stays in your pocket.
FAQs
When will the 2026 COLA be announced and applied?
In October 2025, based on Q3 CPI-W. It appears in January 2026 payments.
Are the monthly payment dates changing?
No. The birth-date Wednesday schedule continues, with the 3rd for legacy beneficiaries and the 1st for SSI.
Is Full Retirement Age increasing again?
No. For those born in 1960 or later, FRA remains 67, and there’s no new law raising it.