# 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.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/26/2026-21796/cost-of-living-increase-and-other-determinations-for-2027)