Social Security recipients get a 2.8% cost-of-living boost in 2026, average of $56 per month

WASHINGTON (AP) – Some seniors say the Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment won’t help much in their ability to pay for their daily expenses.

The agency announced Friday the annual cost-of-living adjustment will go up by 2.8% in 2026, translating to an average increase of more than $56 for retirees every month.

Eighty-year-old Florence, South Carolina, resident Linda Deas says it does not match the current “affordability crisis.” The benefits increase will go into effect for Social Security recipients beginning in January.

Friday’s announcement was meant to be made last week but was delayed because of the federal government shutdown. Recipients got a 2.5% COLA boost in 2025 and a 3.2% increase in 2024.

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