If you have been waiting to hear how much your Social Security benefits will rise in 2026, then the announcement about the IRS 2.8% COLA Increase- How to Claim Your Increased Benefits is exactly the update you need. Since millions of Americans rely on monthly Social Security or SSI payments, any increase becomes important for budgeting, medical expenses and everyday financial planning. Because so many online posts share mixed or confusing details, this guide explains everything clearly using simple language that helps you understand what the 2.8 percent boost means, who qualifies, how payment dates work and how to claim the increased amount without any mistakes.
What the IRS 2.8% COLA Increase Really Means
Even though people often search for the term “IRS COLA increase,” the Social Security Administration (SSA), not the IRS, calculates and distributes cost-of-living adjustments. However, the IRS is still connected through tax filings, benefit reporting and withholding rules. Therefore, the phrase remains popular online, and this guide uses your main keyword while explaining the correct process behind the increase.
The 2.8 percent COLA increase applies to:
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Survivor benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Because COLA exists to protect purchasing power, the increase helps benefits match the rising cost of essential goods and services.
How the 2.8% COLA Increase Was Calculated
The COLA increase for 2026 is based on changes in inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Because prices for food, fuel, rent and healthcare continue to rise, the SSA set the increase at 2.8 percent. This is slightly higher than the previous year’s adjustment and helps beneficiaries manage inflation more comfortably.
Moreover, this increase affects both monthly benefit amounts and annual totals, so recipients gain more across the year.
Who Is Eligible for the IRS 2.8% COLA Increase- How to Claim Your Increased Benefits
Anyone receiving monthly Social Security or SSI benefits automatically qualifies for the COLA increase. Eligible groups include:
- Retirees
- SSDI beneficiaries
- Disabled adults receiving SSI
- Survivors and dependents
- Spouses receiving auxiliary benefits
- Eligible low-income older adults
Because this is an automatic increase, you do not need to apply separately. The SSA adjusts your payment based on your 2025 benefit amount and updates your record before January 2026.
When the New COLA Payments Begin
The increased payments begin in January 2026, although some individuals see the change earlier depending on their benefit type.
Social Security Payment Schedule
Payments follow this schedule:
- Birthdays on 1st–10th receive payment around the second Wednesday
- Birthdays on 11th–20th receive payment around the third Wednesday
- Birthdays on 21st–31st receive payment around the fourth Wednesday
Because SSI follows a different timeline, SSI recipients usually receive their updated payment on December 31, 2025.
Therefore, your payment timing depends on your benefit category.
How Much More You Will Receive
Your increased benefit amount depends entirely on your current monthly benefit. For example:
- A $1,800 monthly benefit becomes about $1,850
- A $2,200 monthly benefit becomes about $2,261
- A $1,200 monthly benefit becomes about $1,233
Because the increase is a percentage, higher benefits receive a higher dollar increase, while lower benefits receive a smaller rise. This ensures fairness across different income levels.
IRS 2.8% COLA Increase- How to Claim Your Increased Benefits
Even though the COLA increase is automatic, you must still take certain steps to ensure your information is accurate and your payments reach your account without delays.
Step 1: Confirm Your Social Security Account Details
Firstly, log into your my Social Security account and check your:
- Address
- Bank details
- Contact information
- Payment method
Since outdated information can delay your payment, updating your details ensures smooth processing.
Step 2: Review Your COLA Notice
The SSA sends COLA notices in:
- December 2025 (digital notice)
- December 2025 or January 2026 (mailed notice)
Your notice shows:
- New benefit amount
- Medicare Part B deductions
- Annual total
- Payment date
Because Medicare premiums may rise, your net payment may differ slightly from your gross amount.
Step 3: Update Medicare Information If Needed
If you are enrolled in Medicare, review your Part B premium notice. Although the COLA boosts your income, Medicare costs may affect your final deposit. Therefore, checking your premium early helps you plan effectively.
Step 4: Track Your January 2026 Payment
Once the increase takes effect, check your bank deposit on your usual date. Because some banks process payments faster than others, timing may vary slightly.
How to Apply If You Are a New Beneficiary
If you expect to qualify for Social Security or SSI soon, here’s how to apply:
-
Visit SSA.gov
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Create a my Social Security account
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Choose Retirement, SSDI or SSI application
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Submit identification and income documents
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Upload medical records if applying for disability
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Wait for SSA review and approval
Because processing times vary, applying early ensures you receive the boosted benefit quickly.
Common Questions About the 2.8% COLA Increase
Do I need to apply for the COLA increase?
No. It is automatic.
Does the IRS send the payment?
No. The SSA sends the payment, but the keyword remains commonly used online.
Can I lose my increase?
Only if your income or living situation changes for SSI recipients.
Does Medicare affect the increase?
Yes. Rising premiums may reduce your final net deposit.
Quick Summary
- IRS 2.8% COLA Increase takes effect in January 2026
- All Social Security and SSI beneficiaries qualify
- No application is required
- my Social Security shows your updated benefit
- Payment dates follow your regular schedule
- Medicare costs may affect your final deposit
- SSA manages and issues all COLA boosts
- Official updates appear on SSA.gov
Official Website
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Since scams often appear online, these pages provide confirmed updates with complete accuracy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IRS 2.8% COLA Increase- How to Claim Your Increased Benefits gives millions of Americans a meaningful rise in Social Security and SSI payments. Because the SSA calculates and pays the increase automatically, you do not need to apply. However, keeping your information updated and reviewing your COLA notice helps you understand your exact benefit amount. Therefore, checking official SSA updates and your my Social Security account ensures you receive your increased January 2026 payment smoothly and without confusion.
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