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NYT News ServiceSocial Security update 2026 Social Security spousal benefits 2026: After months of anticipation, the Social Security Administration has finally announced the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and there’s good news for millions of beneficiaries as starting with December 2025 payments, which go out in January 2026, Social Security recipients will see a 2.8% boost in their monthly checks, as per a report.What the 2026 COLA means for Social Security recipientsMost of the attention has centered on how this affects retirees, but those collecting spousal benefits will also see their payments rise next year, even if the increase is a modest one, as per The Motley Fool report.Because the COLA is a percentage-based adjustment, the exact dollar amount varies depending on what you currently receive, as per the report. The typical Social Security retirement benefit will climb from about $2,015 to $2,071 a month, a $56 increase, as per The Motley Fool report.ALSO READ: 4 little-known Social Security rules that could earn you thousands moreSpousal benefits are going up too, but modestlyMeanwhile, spousal benefits, which are worth up to half of a retired worker’s full benefit, will rise from an average of $955 to $982, or roughly $27 more each month, as per The Motley Fool report.Live EventsThat bump might not sound like much, but it could still help couples cover everyday expenses as prices continue to climb. The Social Security Administration will send personalized COLA notices in December, detailing each beneficiary’s new payment amount for 2026, as per The Motley Fool report.ALSO READ: The Fed just cut rates - here's what it means for your bank balance, loans and credit cardsWhat to do if your COLA increase doesn’t cover your expensesOnce you know your updated benefit, it’s a good idea to revisit your household budget. Some may find that the COLA increase isn’t enough to keep up with rising costs, as per the report. In that case, experts suggest taking a close look at spending, tapping savings if necessary, or exploring options like part-time work or other government benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as per The Motley Fool report.When you’ll get your 2026 Social Security paymentBeneficiaries can expect their first payment with the 2026 COLA included to arrive in January, depending on their birth date. And when that deposit hits your account or debit card, it’s worth double-checking the amount, mistakes are rare, but catching them early can save you time and stress later, as per The Motley Fool report.FAQsWhen will the 2026 COLA take effect?It applies to December 2025 payments, which go out in January 2026.How much is the 2026 COLA increase?The cost-of-living adjustment is 2.8% for 2026.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onSocial Security spousal benefits 2026Social Security benefits increase 2026Social Security payment increaseSSA payment schedule January 2026will spousal benefits increase in 2026how much will Social Security increase in 2026how to check your Social Security COLA increaseSocial Security raise for spousesSocial Security payment boostSocial Security 2026 COLA increase (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onSocial Security spousal benefits 2026Social Security benefits increase 2026Social Security payment increaseSSA payment schedule January 2026will spousal benefits increase in 2026how much will Social Security increase in 2026how to check your Social Security COLA increaseSocial Security raise for spousesSocial Security payment boostSocial Security 2026 COLA increase(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless
