Social Security payment boost for 2026 confirmed: New monthly amounts for retirees, spouses, survivors, and disabled beneficiaries explained

Social Security increase 2026 is officially locked in and the new payment numbers are bigger than expected. A 2.8% COLA boost will raise benefits for 75 million Americans starting January 2026, with SSI increases arriving December 31, 2025. The average retiree check jumps from $2,008 to $2,064, while spouses rise to $981, survivors to $1,619, and disabled workers to $1,627. Notices arrive in late November online and December by mail. The 2026 earnings limit increases to $24,480 and $65,160, letting more people work without losing payments. Bigger checks are guaranteed no forms, no requests, automatic.