Social Security benefits are likely to lose purchasing power next year despite a historic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Here are the exact payment dates for Social Security and SSI in January 2026, plus details on the new 2.8% COLA increase.

Social Security rules have some changes in store for 2026, such as tax rules and cost-of-living adjustments. Here's what retirees need to know.

For seniors on Social Security, there’s perhaps no more important an announcement each year than a COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) announcement. This year’s COLA announcement was actually delayed due to the government shutdown.

Here’s a look at four major Social Security changes to be aware of in 2026. Each year, Social Security benefits are subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment based on inflation rates to ensure that monthly payments keep pace with rising costs. In October, the SSA announced that beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase for 2026.