If you are wondering whether you’ll get any extra money from Social Security this month, many beneficiaries are indeed anticipating a boost. The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 — a change that begins with December 2025 benefits, payable in January 2026 — giving millions of Americans reason to expect extra money soon.
What the 2026 COLA Means
- The 2026 COLA is set at 2.8% for all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
- For the average retired worker, that means about $56 more per month starting January 2026.
- The boost applies across retiree benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and SSI payments.
This increase helps benefits keep pace with inflation. It’s automatic, and beneficiaries don’t need to apply or take any extra steps.
When You’ll Likely See the Extra Amount
- The new benefit amounts reflecting the 2.8% increase will appear in checks mailed or deposited in January 2026.
- For SSI recipients, the higher payments are scheduled to begin with the payment issued December 31, 2025, due to timing and holiday calendar adjustments.
- That means many households will see an increase just in time for the new year — a tangible “extra money from Social Security” when budgets reset and winter bills arrive.
How Much Extra You Could Get — Depending on Your Benefit Amount
Because benefits vary widely, the increase looks different for each household. Here’s a rough estimate:
| Typical Benefit Scenario | Approximate Extra per Month |
|---|---|
| Average retired worker | ~$56 additional |
| Married couple receiving benefits | More, depending on combined benefit |
| Disability or survivor benefits | Comparable percentage increase |
| SSI recipients (individual or couple) | Increase in line with 2.8% boost |
If you currently receive around the average benefit, expect around fifty to sixty dollars extra. If your benefit is higher, the increase will be proportionally larger.
Why This Counts as “Extra Money From Social Security This Month” for Many
- Coming just before January, the increase arrives at a time when many people face holiday-related expenses or end-of-year bills. That makes the extra amount timely.
- Because the adjustment applies broadly — retirees, disabled, survivors, SSI recipients — a large segment of beneficiaries benefits.
- The increase is automatic and guaranteed for 2026, giving people a predictable bump rather than a one-off or uncertain bonus.
Be Aware of Factors That May Reduce or Offset the Increase
Although the COLA adds more to your benefit check, a few factors might reduce the net gain:
- If you pay Medicare Part B premiums or other deductions, the extra benefit might be partly offset.
- Taxes or additional withholdings (if applicable) could also reduce the visible increase in take-home amount.
- For SSI recipients, if other benefits or income change, the increase might not translate directly to higher net income.
Still, for many recipients, the 2.8% increase will result in a noticeable extra amount — exactly what “extra money from Social Security this month” promises.
What You Should Do Now to Prepare
- Check your bank account or benefit notice early in January 2026 to see the updated payment amount.
- Review your budget: even a modest increase can help cover extra costs or build a small buffer.
- Consider how the extra funds can be used: unexpected expenses, holiday bills, or savings for the coming months.
If you receive Social Security benefits or SSI, this upcoming increase may well feel like a welcomed boost. For many, it’s extra money just when it matters.
Let me know if you want help estimating your benefit increase or how the COLA might affect your net payment.