Social Security Payment Increases 2026: Veterans who receive Social Security or SSDI are asking: “Is my check going up in 2026, and by how much?” The answer is YES – every veteran on Social Security, SSDI, or SSI gets the same 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) as civilians. No special veteran-only boost exists, but the raise still adds real money to your monthly payments. This easy-to-read guide explains the new amounts, when the extra cash starts, and how it works with VA benefits. All info comes straight from the Social Security Administration (SSA) announcement on October 24, 2025.
What the 2.8% COLA Means for Veterans
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is an automatic raise given every year so Social Security keeps up with inflation. In 2026 it is 2.8%. This raise applies to:
- Regular retirement benefits
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Survivors benefits for widows/widowers of veterans
VA disability payments have their own separate COLA (also 2.8% for 2026), so many veterans will see two checks go up at the same time.
Quick Math Example
If your Social Security check is $1,800 today, the 2.8% raise adds about $50 → new total = $1,850 starting January 2026.
When Veterans Will See the Extra Money
- Social Security & SSDI payments: First increased check arrives in January 2026 (exact date depends on your normal payday – 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday).
- SSI payments: First increased check on December 31, 2025.
- VA disability payments: First increased check on December 31, 2025 (for January payment).
No delays – the government shutdown in late 2025 did not affect COLA processing.
New 2026 Payment Amounts for Veterans – Easy Table
Here are real average amounts before and after the 2.8% raise:
| Benefit Type | Average 2025 Amount | Extra Money (2.8%) | New 2026 Average Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Retirement | $1,974 | +$55 | $2,029 |
| SSDI (Disabled Veteran) | $1,582 | +$44 | $1,626 |
| SSI (Individual Veteran) | $969 | +$27 | $996 |
| VA 100% Disability (No Dependents) | $3,831 | +$107 | $3,938 |
| VA 100% Disability + Spouse | $4,076 | +$114 | $4,190 |
| Survivor Benefit (Widow/Widower) | $1,609 | +$45 | $1,654 |
Note: Your exact amount may be higher or lower. Use the SSA Quick Calculator at SSA.gov for your personal number.
Do VA Benefits and Social Security Affect Each Other?
Good news – you can collect BOTH full VA disability and full Social Security/SSDI with no reduction. They are separate programs.
- VA disability = tax-free
- Social Security = taxable if your total income is high
- The 2.8% raise on each is added separately
Many veterans see $100–$200+ extra combined each month in 2026.
Other 2026 Changes Veterans Should Know
- Medicare Part B premium rises to $202.90 (up $17.90) – this is taken out of Social Security for most veterans.
- Earnings limit if still working and under full retirement age: $24,480 (you lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above).
- Maximum taxable earnings for Social Security tax: $184,500 (helps younger veterans build future benefits).
FAQ – Veterans’ Most Common 2026 COLA Questions
Do veterans get a bigger COLA than civilians in 2026?
No. Everyone gets the same 2.8% – veterans, civilians, and children.
When will my VA disability check increase?
December 31, 2025 (covers January 2026 payment).
Is the extra money taxable?
VA disability → never taxed. Social Security → only taxed if your total income is over $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married).
Will the Medicare increase cancel my COLA raise?
For many yes – the $17.90 Medicare hike eats about 1/3 of the average $55 COLA gain. Low-income veterans can apply for “Extra Help” to lower costs.
How do I see my exact new amount?
Log into mySocialSecurity account (SSA.gov) in early December 2025 – your official COLA letter will be there. Paper letters mail all December.
Can I work and still get the full raise?
Yes – the COLA is added no matter how much you work (only earnings limits apply before full retirement age).
Conclusion:
Every veteran on Social Security, SSDI, or SSI will see their checks grow by 2.8% starting January 2026 – that’s an average $44–$55 extra from Social Security plus another $100+ from VA disability for many. While Medicare premiums take a bite, the combined raise still puts hundreds of extra dollars in veterans’ pockets each year. Set up direct deposit, check your mySocialSecurity account in December, and plan how to use the boost – whether it’s bills, savings, or a little breathing room. You earned these benefits; make sure you get every penny.