$200 Social Security Increase: Who Gets It?

The Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act would provide an additional $200 per month, starting in January 2026 and lasting through July 2026. According to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, this increase is meant to offset increased prices due to inflation.

“Seniors face difficult decisions as they see their bank accounts shrinking and the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is simply not reflective of the current reality,” Schumer said. “I urge Republicans to join with us to help offset the cost of Trump’s inflationary trade war and give seniors the money they deserve.”

The bill covers 71 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits, as well as 75 million Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI covers low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The increase will also include those receiving Federal Railroad Retirement payments, disabled veterans, and veterans' pensions.

This increase will be in addition to the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment beneficiaries will receive in January 2026.

The COLA increase will provide the average beneficiary with an additional $56 per month, some of which will be offset by higher Medicare premiums. Medicare Part B premiums for 2026 are $206.50 per month, up $21.50 from 2025.