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Social Security COLA 2026: Are you living in one of these five states as they see the highest monthly benefit increases?

Social Security COLA 2026 is locked in at 2.8%, and retirees in five states are set to see the biggest dollar increases. The national average benefit will rise by about $56 to $2,071, but higher-benefit states will get more. Maryland retirees are projected to get $58.96, Delaware $59.97, New Hampshire $60.11, New Jersey $60.57, and Connecticut the highest at $60.66. The reason is simple: bigger base checks mean bigger raises. The percentage is the same for everyone, but higher lifetime earnings equal higher payments and bigger boosts in 2026.