Hailey
Hey there! If you or someone in your family depends on Social Security, then this article is for you.
Some big changes are coming in 2026 that affect how much money people will get, how their health insurance will cost, and whether certain programmes will be trimmed. Let’s break down everything in simple terms so you know what’s ahead and can plan smart.
What’s the Big Deal?
These updates matter because many people on Social Security live on fixed incomes. That means their monthly money doesn’t go up by much — so if costs jump, they feel it. It’s super important to plan ahead so there are no sudden shocks.
Benefits Will Go Up by 2.8% in 2026
Good news: The Social Security Administration announced that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be 2.8%. This means the monthly benefit checks will be slightly larger starting in January.
Why 2.8%? Because inflation went up — especially in the third quarter of this year — so they bumped up the benefit more than the increase for 2025 (which was 2.5%).
What this means for you:
- You’ll get a little more money each month starting early next year.
- That extra money will help with rising prices for things like groceries, medicines, and healthcare.
- If you have insurance via Medicare, this extra money might be important, because parts of that programme may cost more soon.
But the Increase Might Not Be Enough
Here’s the twist: Even though 2.8% sounds good, many experts say it won’t keep up with how fast costs are rising for older people.
- For example, a group called the Senior Citizens League found that seniors on Social Security from 2010 to 2024 have lost about 20% of their buying power.
- Also, for 2026 the cost of Medicare Part B premiums is expected to go up by around 11.6%, which is much more than the 2.8% rise in benefits.
So yes, your benefits will go up — but your expenses might go up even more.
Extra ideas to cope
Here are some tips to try to stay on solid ground:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Downsize home or reduce housing cost | A smaller or cheaper place means fewer expenses. |
| Go back to work part-time | Some extra income can help cover the gap. |
| Trim unnecessary costs | Cut back on things you don’t really need so you have more for essentials. |
| Reevaluate Medicare plan | Since health costs rise, check whether your plan is still the best one for you. |
Proposed Cuts to Some Programmes
Another big item: The administration is looking at changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programme. This helps millions of older adults and people with disabilities who have little or no income.
- The administration says it will not raise the age for full retirement benefits or cut the main Social Security payments.
- But it may reduce or remove SSI help for about 400,000 people, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates.
- Many people receive both Social Security and SSI. If the SSI goes away or shrinks, their monthly income could drop by about $594 on average.
What this means for you:
If you or someone you know is receiving SSI along with Social Security, this could be a very serious change. A drop of several hundreds of dollars a month might mean missing out on some essential expenses altogether.
It’s very important to watch for official announcements, understand your eligibility, and plan accordingly.
In short: The Social Security benefit increase of 2.8% in 2026 is good news, but it might not be enough on its own because costs—especially health-care costs—are rising faster. Also, changes to the SSI programme could affect many people who depend on both Social Security and SSI.
It’s an important time to plan early, review your budget, check your health insurance, and prepare for possible shifts ahead. Being proactive now can help you stay stable and reduce stress later.
FAQs
When will the new Social Security benefit increase begin?
The increase of about 2.8% will take effect in the checks starting January 2026.
If my health-care costs go up, will the 2.8% increase cover it?
Probably not fully. While 2.8% gives a boost, health-care costs—like Medicare Part B—are rising faster, so you may still need to adjust your budget.
How can I find out if I’ll be affected by proposed SSI changes?
Stay in touch with your local Social Security office or check the official website of the Social Security Administration. They will publish eligibility and changes before they happen.