New Jersey retirees receiving Social Security are set to see one of the largest nominal-dollar increases in the nation next year, as a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment takes effect in January 2026, federal officials announced.

The average monthly retirement benefit for New Jersey residents is expected to rise by $60.57, bringing the typical payment to $2,223.74, the second-highest increase among all states. Only Connecticut retirees are expected to receive a slightly larger bump.

Nationwide, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for roughly 75 million Americans will increase by 2.8% in 2026. For most retirees, that translates to about $56 more per month beginning in January. The increase follows a 2.5% adjustment in 2025 and falls just below the 10-year average CO

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