After a near two-week delay , the Social Security Administration has announced the Cost Of Living Adjustment for 2026 and it may be more than beneficiaries expected.

The agency announced 2026 COLA is 2.8% — a modest increase from what some recipients may have anticipated .

“On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January,” the agency announced .

Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said the increase is a “promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security.”

Read more: Social Security COLA 2026: These 10 states will get the largest raises

Every year the Social S

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