Social Security Raises 2026 Benefits 2.8% for 71 Million, Lifting Average Check to $2,071
Updated
Updated · eciks.org · Jun 7
Social Security Raises 2026 Benefits 2.8% for 71 Million, Lifting Average Check to $2,071
3 articles · Updated · eciks.org · Jun 7
Summary
$2,071 will be the average monthly benefit for a retired worker in 2026, up from $2,015 after a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for nearly 71 million Social Security recipients.
The increase adds about $56 a month starting in January 2026 and was triggered by inflation measured through the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of 2025.
$24,480 will be the new annual earnings limit for beneficiaries below full retirement age, with $1 in benefits withheld for every $2 earned above that threshold.
$65,160 will be the limit in the year a worker reaches full retirement age, after which Social Security no longer reduces benefits based on earnings.
The annual adjustment reflects inflation and wage growth, while the program's longer-term solvency challenges remain a separate policy issue beyond 2026.