Social Security raises are coming in 2026, and some retirees will get a bigger payment increase than others.

Retirees are almost certainly going to see more money in their Social Security checks starting in 2026. That's because a cost-of-living adjustment is all but guaranteed at this point.

Cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, are available in most, but not all, years and are a vital part of the Social Security benefits program to help ensure seniors do not lose buying power. However, some seniors get a larger COLA than others do.

Here's how you can tell if your cost-of-living adjustment is likely to be above average.

Will your COLA be bigger than the raise your fellow retirees collect?

In 2026, your COLA is going to beat the average if your 2025 retirement benefit is above $2,008.3

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