On October 15, 2025, the Social Security Administration is slated to announce the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) after the release of the September 2025 CPI-W inflation data.
That CPI-W reading closes the three-month window (July, August, September 2025) that determines the final COLA formula.
In short, October 15 is when retirees learn the official percentage increase that will shape their 2026 Social Security payments.
The 2026 COLA Outlook
Heading into the announcement, many trackers point to a projected 2.7% COLA for 2026, reflecting moderating inflation compared with the last few years.
While the official figure arrives on Oct. 15, a ~2.7% increase is a reasonable planning baseline for retirees, survivors, SSDI, and SSI recipients.
Because COLA is a percentage, your actual boost depends on your current benefit amount.
What It Could Mean In Dollars
A 2.7% adjustment would lift the average retired worker benefit by roughly $50–$60 per month.
A commonly used illustration shows an increase of about $54, taking a typical monthly check from roughly $2,008 to around $2,062.
Your change will vary based on your personal Primary Insurance Amount, claiming age, and any spousal or survivor factors already in your record.
Medicare And Your Net Check
Remember that Medicare Part B premiums are deducted from most Social Security checks.
Early expectations suggest the standard Part B premium for 2026 could land near $206.50 per month (subject to final fall confirmation).
If Part B rises, a portion of your COLA may be offset. Higher-income beneficiaries should also budget for potential IRMAA surcharges, which adjust with income brackets and can further trim take-home benefits.
Key Dates And Numbers
| Item | 2026 Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| COLA Announcement | — | Oct. 15, 2025 following the September CPI-W release |
| Projected COLA | ≈ 2.7% | Final percentage set on Oct. 15 |
| Avg. Retiree Increase | ≈ $54/mo | Example: ~$2,008 → ~$2,062 (varies by case) |
| Who Gets It | — | Retirement, Survivor, SSDI, SSI beneficiaries |
| Effective Date | — | Applied automatically to January 2026 payments |
| Medicare Part B (Est.) | ≈ $206.50/mo | Final 2026 premium to be confirmed in fall 2025 |
How To Prepare Before The Announcement
Check Your Current Benefit: Sign in to my Social Security and note your monthly amount. Multiply by 0.027 to estimate a rough 2026 increase, then subtract your projected Part B premium to gauge your net change.
Review Your Budget: If you rely on Medicare services or prescriptions, build a cushion for possible premium and out-of-pocket adjustments in 2026.
Watch The Timing: The COLA sets on Oct. 15 but shows up in January 2026 payments. If you receive SSI, your schedule may differ slightly from retirement and survivor checks, so verify your calendar.
Plan For Taxes: If your combined income pushes you into taxable Social Security territory, even a modest COLA can affect your federal tax bill. Consider adjusting withholdings or making estimated payments.
Circle October 15, 2025: that is when the 2026 COLA becomes official.
Current indicators suggest an approximately 2.7% increase, which could add about $50–$60 per month for an average retiree beginning January 2026.
Your take-home result will depend on your benefit size and Medicare Part B premium, so run a personalized estimate now.
With the CPI-W window closing in September and the announcement set for mid-October, you will soon have a firm number to finalize your 2026 Social Security budget.
FAQs
What determines the 2026 COLA?
The CPI-W inflation index for July, August, and September 2025 is averaged and compared with the same months a year earlier. That calculation produces the official COLA announced on Oct. 15, 2025.
When will I see the higher amount?
The new COLA is applied automatically to January 2026 payments for retirement, survivor, SSDI, and SSI beneficiaries. No action is required.
How will Medicare premiums affect my raise?
If you pay Medicare Part B, the premium (projected near $206.50 for 2026, pending finalization) is typically deducted from your check, reducing your net monthly increase.