Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments will go up 3.6% next year, the Social Security Administration announced Wednesday, an increase the agency says will reach about 76 million people.
The raise shows up in January 2027 benefits for close to 72 million Social Security recipients. About 7.3 million SSI recipients get their increase in the payment dated Dec. 31, 2026. Some people receive both.
What it means for a monthly check
The agency estimates the average retired worker's benefit will rise by about $75 a month, from $2,095 to $2,170, starting in January. Its fact sheet lists these other estimated averages after the adjustment:
- Older couples who both collect benefits: $3,355, up from $3,238
- Aged widow or widower living alone: $2,005, up from $1,936
- All disabled workers: $1,701, up from $1,642
The federal SSI payment standard rises to $1,029 a month for an individual and $1,544 for a couple.
By law, the yearly adjustment follows the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This one is based on how much that index grew between the third quarters of 2025 and 2026.
For people still working
The cap on earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax rises from $184,500 to $192,300. Beneficiaries younger than full retirement age can earn up to $25,560 next year before $1 in benefits is withheld for every $2 above the limit.
