The Economic Times News

Social Security COLA increase in 2026 may hike SSA and SSI payments but still not benefit you. Here's why, amount of spike in SSA, SSI and Medicare payments

Social Security COLA increase in 2026 may hike SSA and SSI payments but still not benefit you because higher Medicare premiums, rounding rules, and income-based differences reduce gains. The national COLA applies equally, but actual dollar increases vary by benefit size and deductions.