Effect of COLA on Average Social Security Benefits

COLA effect on Social Security retirement benefits

Social Security benefit data by…
benefit type or
family type

New beneficiaries coming onto Social Security's rolls tend to have, on average, higher benefits than those leaving, so average benefits normally rise from month to month. This gradual rise in average benefits is altered by abrupt increases due to annual cost-of-living adjustments or COLAs. The COLA for December 2026 is 3.6 percent and is first payable in January 2027.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for certain beneficiary types, at the end of December 2026.

**Estimated effect of 3.6-percent COLA on average benefits**
at the end of December 2026
Type of benefit	Before 3.6% COLA	After 3.6% COLA	Increase
Retired worker	$2,094	$2,170	$76
Spouse of retired worker	989	1,024	35
Aged widow(er)	1,938	2,007	69
Disabled widow(er)	987	1,022	35
Disabled worker	1,642	1,701	59
Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through August 2026.

The table below provides estimated average benefits for selected family types.

**Estimated effect of 3.6-percent COLA on average family benefits**
at the end of December 2026
Type of family	Before 3.6% COLA	After 3.6% COLA	Increase
Disabled worker, spouse, and children	$2,971	$3,078	$107
Retired worker and aged spouse	3,237	3,354	117
Surviving child(ren) only^a	1,528	1,583	55
Aged widow(er) alone	1,936	2,006	70
Widowed mother and 2 children	3,934	4,076	142
^a Family with one or more children excludes surviving parent or guardian who is ineligible to receive benefits. Note: The above estimates are based on actual benefit data through August 2026.