No, not everyone gets extra money, but most Social Security and SSI recipients are seeing a 2.8% increase in early 2026 due to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to keep up with inflation, with average retirement benefits rising by about $56 monthly. This extra money goes to those already receiving benefits, like retirees, the disabled, or survivors, not every single American or worker, and some might not qualify if they don't receive benefits or have other income.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
Yes, Social Security recipients received a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, but the bigger news is that they are getting a larger 2.8% COLA for 2026, announced in October 2025, which began with January 2026 payments, increasing average benefits by about $56 per month. The 2025 COLA was a smaller 2.5% increase, while the 2026 adjustment reflects moderating inflation, leading to higher payments starting in the new year.
Yes, seniors are getting a 2.8% raise in their Social Security benefits for 2026, a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that went into effect in January 2026, increasing the average monthly payment by about $56, though concerns exist about how much of that increase will truly help due to rising costs and Medicare premiums. This adjustment helps benefits keep pace with inflation, though the formula's reliance on the CPI-W index is often criticized for not reflecting seniors' actual expenses.
"In addition to the existing standard deduction, filers who are age 65 and older can qualify for a new senior bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer.
Qualifying for the third stimulus check
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you will automatically qualify for the third stimulus check which will be in the amount $1400.
Visit the IRS Get My Payment (GMP) portal at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment to see if you can expect a 2021 Economic Impact Payment. The GMP portal will provide the date when your payment was or will be sent.
Stimulus payments
Single taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or below. Taxpayers filing as heads of household with AGIs of $112,500 or below. Married couples filing jointly with AGIs of $150,000 or below.
So, what about this supposed Social Security bonus? The truth is, there is no such thing. However, the idea of a Social Security bonus may come from the fact that waiting to start receiving benefits can result in a higher benefit amount than if you start earlier.
You get two Social Security checks in a month primarily if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the first of the next month is a weekend or holiday, triggering an early payment, like in December 2025 (for Jan 2026) or October 2025. Regular Social Security recipients (retirement/disability) get one check, but some people receiving both Social Security and SSI, or benefits from multiple programs (like retirement and spouse benefits), might see multiple deposits or separate checks for different reasons (back pay, different benefit types).
If Social Security isn't enough, you should supplement your income through other savings (401k, IRAs, brokerage accounts), explore government aid like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, consider working part-time, use programs like NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp to find assistance, potentially delay claiming benefits for a higher monthly payout, or look into annuities for guaranteed income.
If you and/or your dependent are over age 65, retired, and eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A and premium-based Medicare Part B, CalPERS requires you to enroll in both Part A and Part B and then transfer into a CalPERS Medicare health benefits plan to continue CalPERS health coverage.
Starting in 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications through Medicare and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. All prescription medications, including specialty medications, covered by Part D plans are included under this cap.
For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium deducted from most Social Security checks is $202.90 per month, with higher premiums for higher incomes and a separate annual deductible of $283; some beneficiaries pay less due to the hold harmless rule. Your exact amount depends on your income from two years prior, and you'll also pay 20% coinsurance for most services after meeting the deductible.
The tax break is subject to income limits. Single filers 65 and older qualify for the full $6,000 deduction if their modified adjusted gross income was below $75,000 last year, while married couples must earn less than $175,000 to receive the full $12,000.
This increase is in line with previous projections for next year and long-term averages for the adjustment. The dollar amount increase to checks will vary depending on a person's benefit amount, but the average Social Security Retirement benefit, $2,008.31 in July 2025, will grow by about $56.