2026 Social Security COLA Shocker: Benefits Up 2.8% (+$56), But Rising Costs Threaten the Gain
With markets near record highs (S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting all-time peaks) and the 10‑year Treasury around 4.0% ts2.tech, retirees face a mixed picture: a modest benefit hike but also sharply rising expenses. Read on for the full breakdown. Official Announcement: 2.8% COLA for 2026 On Oct. 24, 2025 the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% COLA for benefits payable in 2026 ssa.gov. This adjustment will apply to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and to SSI. In practical terms, nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see their monthly checks go up by 2.8% in January 2026 ssa.gov.
