How much will Social Security increase in 2026? This is the new maximum benefit you will be able to collect in 2026
The year 2026 will bring positive news for millions of retirees in the United States. It is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which will increase their monthly Social Security benefits. This increase is crucial, as it seeks to ensure that benefits maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising prices driven by inflation.
The increase will ensure that the average Social Security check is significantly higher than in 2025. However, the focus is on how this adjustment will affect the upper limit of benefits.
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While most retirees will see a modest increase, those who qualify for the maximum benefit will see a substantial increase in their annual income. This maximum check, which is more than double the average amount, is calculated based on each person’s earnings history and the strict wage base limit set annually by the federal government.
What will the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) be for 2026?
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will take effect next year, will increase by 2.8% and is designed to counteract the effects of inflation and ensure that the purchasing power of benefits remains stable.
The COLA is an annual increase that applies to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in the United States, which seeks to ensure that retirement, disability and other Social Security payments do not lose value over time due to inflation.
How much will Social Security increase in 2026?
The largest increase is reflected in the maximum possible benefit, and is only received by a small group of retirees who met very specific salary and age conditions. Thus, the maximum monthly benefit will increase from $5,108 (in 2025) to $5,251 (in 2026).
Who is eligible for the maximum Social Security benefit?
Receiving this maximum check of $5,251 is quite difficult and requires meeting these three conditions:
- High salary history: The person must have earned the maximum taxable income (or more) subject to Social Security taxes for a minimum of 35 full years of their working life.
- Retirement age: You must have delayed claiming your Social Security benefits until the maximum age of 70.
- Full retirement age: You must have waited until after your full retirement age to accumulate delayed retirement credits.