The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed that the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will be announced on October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. This annual update determines how much benefits will rise next year for more than 75 million Americans. Learn how COLA is calculated, what experts predict for the 2026 increase, and how it will impact Social Security, SSI, and SSDI payments beginning in January 2026.
Contents
- 1 2026 Social Security COLA Announcement Date and Time Confirmed
- 2 Overview Table
- 3 Introduction to the COLA Update
- 4 Key Features and Overview
- 5 Eligibility Rules
- 6 Benefits of the COLA Adjustment
- 7 Payment Schedule and Processing Details
- 8 Comparison: COLA vs Inflation Trends
- 9 Recent Updates (as of October 2025)
- 10 Why It Matters?
- 11 FAQs
- 12 What time will the 2026 COLA be announced?
- 13 When will beneficiaries start receiving increased payments?
- 14 How is the COLA calculated?
- 15 Will SSI and SSDI also increase?
- 16 How much is the expected 2026 increase?
- 17 Do I need to apply to get the new COLA?
2026 Social Security COLA Announcement Date and Time Confirmed
More than 75 million Americans who rely on Social Security benefits are waiting for the announcement of the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). After a brief delay due to a temporary suspension at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the SSA has confirmed that the COLA will be revealed on October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The annual COLA increase helps seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power as inflation rises. This year’s adjustment is particularly significant as inflation data has shown signs of steady but persistent price growth across essential categories like housing, food, and healthcare.
According to early projections by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), the 2026 COLA is expected to be around 2.8%, though the final number will depend on September’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Overview Table
| Category | Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Announcement Time | 8:30 a.m. ET |
| Announced By | Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| Effective From | January 2026 |
| Expected COLA Increase | 2.7% – 2.8% (based on CPI-W) |
| Applies To | Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Survivor Benefits |
| Inflation Index Used | CPI-W (July–September 2025) |
Introduction to the COLA Update
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) ensures that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits keep pace with inflation. Each year, the SSA reviews inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to determine the adjustment.
For 2026, the announcement will coincide with the release of the September 2025 CPI data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite initial delays due to the temporary government shutdown, SSA confirmed that operations are now on schedule.
Find out what the government shutdown means for you: https://t.co/RBpCNS7R95. To conveniently manage your benefits online, create a personal my Social Security account at https://t.co/oXs9YiKl6z. pic.twitter.com/tk4OvCKO04
Also Read
Social Security Announces 2.8% COLA Benefit Increase for 2026: Here’s What Retirees Can Expect Starting January— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) October 1, 2025
“COLA plays a crucial role in maintaining economic stability for retirees and low-income Americans,” said Shannon Benton, Executive Director at The Senior Citizens League. “Even a small percentage change can mean a big difference for those living on fixed incomes.”
Key Features and Overview
- Official Announcement Date: The 2026 COLA will be announced October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET by the SSA.
- Calculation Basis: Based on the average CPI-W from July, August, and September 2025 compared with the same quarter from 2024.
- Expected Increase: Analysts project an increase of 2.7% to 2.8%, slightly above the 2025 COLA of 2.5%.
- Beneficiaries Affected: Includes retirees, survivors, and those receiving SSDI or SSI benefits — totaling over 75 million Americans.
- Effective Date: The new payment rates take effect January 1, 2026.
Eligibility Rules
All current recipients of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are automatically eligible for COLA adjustments. No separate application is required.
| Program | Eligible Beneficiaries | COLA Applies Automatically? |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Retirement | Individuals aged 62+ receiving SSA benefits | Yes |
| Social Security Disability (SSDI) | Disabled workers and dependents | Yes |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Low-income individuals and couples | Yes |
| Survivor Benefits | Spouses or children of deceased beneficiaries | Yes |
SSA’s data shows that approximately 66 million retirees and 9 million SSI recipients will see their checks rise automatically starting in January 2026.
Benefits of the COLA Adjustment
The COLA increase directly impacts the financial well-being of millions of Americans by ensuring benefits rise in line with inflation.
“Without the annual COLA, Social Security’s purchasing power would erode quickly in an economy where food, housing, and medical costs keep climbing,” said Dr. Martin Feldman, a senior economist and retirement policy expert.
For example, a 2.8% increase means:
- A retiree receiving $1,900 per month will get about $53 more monthly, or $636 per year.
- For someone earning the maximum benefit of $5,108, the monthly increase will be around $143.
However, rising Medicare Part B premiums, projected to jump from $185 to $206.50 per month in 2026, could offset much of the increase for some retirees.
Payment Schedule and Processing Details
| Category | Timeline / Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Effective Date | January 2026 |
| First Adjusted Payment | January 3, 2026 (for early recipients) |
| Average Raise | 2.7% – 2.8% |
| Payment Mode | Direct Deposit / SSA-issued checks |
| Programs Covered | SSA, SSI, SSDI, Survivor Benefits |
“COLA adjustments are automatically applied — recipients don’t need to file or verify anything,” explained Jessica Lewis, a former SSA payment specialist. “The increase will appear in the first January payment deposit.”
Comparison: COLA vs Inflation Trends
| Year | COLA (%) | **Inflation (CPI-W, %) | Real Value Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% | 6.5% | +2.2% |
| 2024 | 3.2% | 3.4% | -0.2% |
| 2025 | 2.5% | 2.6% | -0.1% |
| 2026 (Projected) | 2.8% | 2.7% | +0.1% |
This data shows that while the COLA is generally effective, it often trails true inflation, causing gradual erosion of buying power over time.
Recent Updates (as of October 2025)
- October 14, 2025: SSA confirmed that the COLA announcement, initially delayed, will take place on October 24.
- October 19, 2025: The Senior Citizens League projected a 2.8% adjustment for 2026.
- October 21, 2025: The Bureau of Labor Statistics finalized CPI-W data collection for September 2025.
- October 24, 2025 (8:30 a.m. ET): Official announcement of 2026 COLA expected from the SSA’s Washington D.C. headquarters.
Why It Matters?
The COLA increase determines how much income retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income Americans receive each month. For those depending primarily on Social Security, even a small percentage change can significantly affect daily life.
“Many seniors depend entirely on Social Security,” said Linda Garcia, Executive Director of the National Council on Aging. “Every dollar counts, especially when healthcare and rent costs are rising faster than overall inflation.”
This year’s COLA also reflects the broader economic goal of keeping federal benefits aligned with cost-of-living realities, while stabilizing spending power for millions of Americans.
FAQs
What time will the 2026 COLA be announced?
The SSA will release the 2026 COLA on October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
When will beneficiaries start receiving increased payments?
New payment amounts will appear in January 2026, depending on your regular deposit schedule.
How is the COLA calculated?
The SSA bases the COLA on the CPI-W average from July to September each year, comparing it to the same period from the previous year.
Will SSI and SSDI also increase?
Yes, the COLA applies to all Social Security programs, including SSI, SSDI, and Survivor Benefits.
How much is the expected 2026 increase?
Analysts expect around 2.7% to 2.8%, although the final number will be confirmed on October 24.
Do I need to apply to get the new COLA?
No. The increase is automatic for all eligible beneficiaries.