OHIO — Millions of Ohioans receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in 2026, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The adjustment will take effect in January, with Social Security recipients seeing an average monthly increase of about $56. SSI recipients will receive their increase a day earlier, on Dec. 31.
Nationwide, about 71 million people will benefit from the COLA, including many older adults and individuals with disabilities across Ohio who rely on the payments for essential expenses such as housing, food, and medical care.
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said in a news release. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”
Recipients will be notified of their updated benefit amount in December. Those who want to receive their notice online must create a “my Social Security” account by Nov. 19, the SSA said.
In addition to the COLA, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax will rise from $176,100 to $184,500 in 2026.
