Social Security recipients will see monthly payments rise by 2.8 percent starting in January 2026, the Social Security Administration announced. Retired workers will receive an average increase of $56, bringing their monthly benefit to $2,071, though advocates say the adjustment falls short of covering the costs of older Americans.
Medicare Part B premiums will exceed $206 next year, reducing much of the cost-of-living adjustment for many beneficiaries. Nancy Altman from Social Security Works said some recipients will lose their entire raise to the premium hike, leaving them with no additional income despite the percentage increase.
Sam Ciraulo, who receives about $1,400 monthly, said the adjustment barely helps with electricity costs. Joyce Clarke, 79, stopped buying her preferred $15 pasta dish months ago because she could no longer afford it.
AARP representative Joel Eskovitz told reporters that inflation measures based on working-age consumers fail to reflect seniors' spending patterns. The 2026 adjustment exceeds the 2.5 percent raise from 2025 but remains lower than recent years when inflation peaked.
Medicare Part B premiums will exceed $206 next year, reducing much of the cost-of-living adjustment for many beneficiaries. Nancy Altman from Social Security Works said some recipients will lose their entire raise to the premium hike, leaving them with no additional income despite the percentage increase.
Sam Ciraulo, who receives about $1,400 monthly, said the adjustment barely helps with electricity costs. Joyce Clarke, 79, stopped buying her preferred $15 pasta dish months ago because she could no longer afford it.
AARP representative Joel Eskovitz told reporters that inflation measures based on working-age consumers fail to reflect seniors' spending patterns. The 2026 adjustment exceeds the 2.5 percent raise from 2025 but remains lower than recent years when inflation peaked.
