Attention, Social Security recipients! A crucial update is coming your way. Starting December 1, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will begin mailing out notices to nearly 71 million beneficiaries, informing them of their new benefit amounts for 2026. This update is a result of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which aims to keep benefits in line with rising inflation. The COLA increase from 2.5% in 2025 to 2.8% for 2026 means a boost in payments for millions. For SSI recipients, the bump starts on December 31, while others will see increases in January. The SSA estimates an average monthly retirement benefit increase of around $56, with maximum monthly SSI benefits rising from $967 to $994 for individuals and $1,450 to $1,491 for eligible couples. Social Security payments will follow a specific schedule in December, with different payment dates based on birthdates. Remember to check your mail or online account for this important notice, as it provides personalized details about your new benefit amounts and any deductions. Stay tuned for more updates on Social Security adjustments and their impact on your financial well-being.
