The Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026 will be 2.8%, a few ticks higher than the 2025 COLA, Social Security Administration officials announced Friday.

The long-awaited COLA announcement sets the rate of increase for Social Security beneficiaries, but also for military retirees and people receiving veterans benefits. The increase goes into effect in January.

The government shutdown delayed the announcement by nine days.

Nearly 71 million people receive Social Security benefits, officials said, estimating that on average, the monthly benefit will increase by $56.

As an example, a military retiree who receives $2,500 in retired pay will see a COLA increase of about $70 a month.

For a veteran receiving $1,500 per month in benefits, the increase would be about $42 in 2026.

In 2024, Congre

See Full Page