Social Security, SSI and Veterans Benefits to Climb 2.8% in 2026 — Can It Keep Up?
In mid‑October 2025 the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 blog.ssa.gov. This means nearly all retired, disabled and survivor Social Security recipients will see their monthly checks rise by 2.8% next year. “Social Security is a promise kept,” Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said in a statement, noting that the COLA “is one way we make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities” wilshirehcs.org. On average, the extra 2.8% translates into roughly +$56 per month for an average retired worker (around $2,000/mo currently), or about $672 per year blog.ssa.gov wilshirehcs.org. SSI payments – the flat‐rate
