Social Security’s 2.8% COLA boost starts January 2026—will it be enough?
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients. This increase, effective from January 2026, will provide some relief to seniors dealing with inflation. Meanwhile, The Senior Citizens League has proposed alternative COLA calculation methods and a one-time payment to better support elderly Americans.
The average retired worker will see their monthly benefit rise from $2,008 to $2,064, an extra $56, thanks to the 2.8% COLA. This increase is larger than last year's 2.5% and aims to help recipients maintain their purchasing power. For SSI recipients, the maximum monthly payment will increase from $967 to $994 for individuals and from $1,450 to $1,491 for couples. They will receive their first increased benefits on December 31, 2025.
The Senior Citizens League has proposed using the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) or a 'CPI Best' system for COLA increases, arguing that the current method does not fully account for seniors' spending habits. The group also suggested a one-time 'make-up payment' of $1,400 for eligible seniors to help cover past underpayments.
The 2.8% COLA, while appreciated by seniors, may not be sufficient to keep up with rising costs. The Senior Citizens League's proposals aim to address this gap. Recipients will start seeing the COLA increase in their benefits from January 2026, with payment dates varying based on their birthdays.
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