Social Security Increase for 2026

A 60-second read by the Baron Team:  The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Friday, October 24, 2025 that it will be increasing Social Security (SS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits  for 75 million Americans by 2.8 percent.   

COLA:  This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin for more than 71 million SS beneficiaries in January 2026 and for more than 7.5 million SSI beneficiaries, on December 31, 2025.  Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.  According to the release: Similar to last year, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions.

Notification: Beneficiaries can expect to be notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. Most SS beneficiaries will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal my Social Security account. Account holders can set up text or email alerts when they receive a new message, such as their COLA notice.

People may create or access my Social Security account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. 

Medicare changes for 2026: The release goes on to say that Medicare changes, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Medicare enrollees, the 2026 premium amount will be available via my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Individuals who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Contact your Baron Team to learn how Social Security can affect Your Personal Economy^SM.

^{Disclosure: This is a general communication being provided for informational purposes only. This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research, legal, tax or investment advice. Your Personal Economy refers to the aspects of your financial life that are unique to you. Any decision with Social Security should be confirmed with the Social Security administration or by visiting www.ssa.gov.  Please consult with a qualified tax professional for personal advice.}