Social Security increase for 2026

The news is in, a week late this year due to the current government shutdown: The expected increase in Social Security benefits will be 2.8% for 2026.

For the average monthly benefit of $2,015, that equates to an increase of $56, up to $2,071 for 2026 for a single person. For a couple, the $88 increase will net a $3,028 monthly benefit for 2026.

The actual Social Security increase will be less, however, because, as is typical, the Part B cost has gone up. A $21.50 increase will bring the monthly cost up to $206.50, and that comes out of the Social Security benefit.

The cost of living adjustment, or COLA, is calculated every year by the price index from third quarter 2024 to third quarter 2025.

Once again they’ve used the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W, which many think is the wrong index. How many of us are clerical workers?

To be more accurate, the Social Security increase should be calculated by the Consumer Price Index for Elderly People, or CPI-E, as that has the costs and expenses more in line with where seniors spend money.

Meanwhile, Medicare open enrollment will be in effect until Dec. 7. You still have time to look over your options and see if you need to make some changes.

For example, are you taking different drugs? Visiting your doctor more now? Then there is your current plan — has the cost changed or any of the benefits you get?

You can review plans in your area at Medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Remember, scammers are everywhere and would love to have your Social Security information. They’ll approach in person, via mail, on the internet or over the phone. Don’t give out your personal information.

If you suspect fraud, you can make a report at oig.ssa.gov/report or call the Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271.