Opportunity
Federal Register #SSA-2026-1024
SSA Announces Social Security Cost-of-Living Increase and Program Adjustments
Buyer
Social Security Administration
Posted
October 26, 2026
Identifier
SSA-2026-1024
The Social Security Administration (SSA) published an informational notice describing a 3.6% cost-of-living increase and related program adjustments. - Government agency: Social Security Administration (SSA); no sub-agency or office is identified. - The notice reports a national average wage index of $72,800.33 and explains effects on Social Security and related program parameters, including Supplemental Security Income maximum payments, special benefits for certain World War II veterans, student earned-income exclusions, representative-payee fee limits, and direct-payment assessments for representative or attorney fees. - Other affected parameters include the OASDI contribution and benefit base, retirement earnings-test exemptions, benefit-formula bend points, and earnings required for a quarter of coverage. - No OEMs, vendors, products, services, quantities, or part numbers are mentioned. This is a policy notice, not a procurement solicitation or award.
Description
The Social Security Administration announces a 3.6 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits, effective December 2026, and reports a 2025 national average wage index of $72,800.33. These figures affect 2027 Social Security program parameters, including benefit and payment amounts, earnings limits, contribution and benefit bases, and representative-payee fees. The notice also lists changes to related amounts under the Social Security Act.