Are you living in one of the 5 states set to get the biggest Social Security boost in 2026? Find out now!

Millions of retirees are already looking ahead to next year as Social Security payments are set for another meaningful increase in 2026.

Rising costs continue to shape how far each monthly check can go, and this upcoming adjustment provides an important lift for beneficiaries.

While every recipient will see a bump, these five states are positioned to receive the largest dollar increases in the country.

For anyone wondering whether they are part of that group, the latest data offers a clearer picture of what to expect.

Why the 2026 Social Security COLA is gaining attention​

For over 53 million retired Americans, Social Security isn’t just a monthly deposit—it’s a lifeline. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Social Security lifted 22 million people above the poverty line in 2023, including more than 16 million adults aged 65 and older. And if you’re like the 80-90% of retirees surveyed by Gallup over the past two decades, you rely on those checks to make ends meet.

That’s why the annual COLA announcement carries so much weight. It’s the government’s way of making sure your benefits keep pace with inflation. And while the COLA can sometimes feel like a drop in the bucket, 2026 is shaping up to be a year worth celebrating.

2026 becomes a standout year for benefit increases​

The Social Security Administration revealed on October 24 that benefits will rise by 2.8% in 2026. You might be thinking, “2.8%? That’s not exactly a windfall.” But let’s put it in perspective:

• The average COLA since 2010 has been just 2.3%.
• The last time we saw five straight years of COLAs above 2.5% was way back in the late ‘80s and ‘90s.
• The average monthly benefit for retired workers will jump by $56, bringing the national average to $2,071—a record high.

For workers with disabilities, the average check will rise by $44, from $1,586 to $1,630. And while every Social Security recipient will see a boost, some states are set to see even bigger gains.

The 5 states receiving the largest Social Security raises in 2026​

Here are the five states where retirees will see the largest nominal-dollar increases in their Social Security checks next year:

1. Connecticut​

• Average monthly benefit: $2,227.05
• Expected raise: $60.66

2. New Jersey​

• Average monthly benefit: $2,223.74
• Expected raise: $60.57

3. New Hampshire​

• Average monthly benefit: $2,206.90
• Expected raise: $60.11

4. Delaware​

• Average monthly benefit: $2,201.81
• Expected raise: $59.97

5. Maryland​

• Average monthly benefit: $2,164.77
• Expected raise: $58.96

If you call one of these states home, congratulations! Your Social Security check is about to get a little heftier than the national average.

Also read: Social Security taxes: what could change in 2026 for retirees

Why these states rise to the top​

You might be wondering, “Why do retirees in these states get bigger raises?” The answer lies in how Social Security benefits are calculated. The SSA looks at your 35 highest-earning years (adjusted for inflation), your work history, your full retirement age, and the age you start claiming benefits. The more you earn, the higher your benefit.

It’s no coincidence that these five states also rank among the highest in median household income, according to the US Census Bureau:

• New Hampshire: $111,800
• Maryland: $109,700
• New Jersey: $103,500
• Connecticut: $99,240

Higher incomes mean higher Social Security benefits, and when a COLA is applied, those with bigger checks see a larger dollar increase—even though the percentage is the same for everyone.

Also read: Don’t miss out: 7 surprising Social Security changes coming in 2026 that could affect your benefits

How delaying Social Security can increase benefits even further​

Here’s another tip for maximizing your Social Security: If you can afford to wait, delaying your claim can boost your monthly benefit by up to 8% per year between ages 62 and 70. That’s a powerful way to increase your lifetime income, especially if you’re in good health and expect to enjoy a long retirement.

What this means for retirees heading into 2026​

Whether you’re in one of the “big five” states or not, the 2026 COLA is good news. But it’s also a reminder to take a closer look at your retirement strategy:

1. Review your Social Security statement: Make sure your earnings history is accurate.
2. Consider your claiming age: The longer you wait (up to age 70), the bigger your check.
3. Factor in state taxes: Some states tax Social Security benefits, while others don’t. This can affect your bottom line.
4. Plan for inflation: Even with COLAs, rising costs can eat into your purchasing power. Make sure your retirement plan includes other sources of income and strategies to keep up with inflation.

Read next:

• Mark your calendar: December 2025 Social Security payments are on the way—check your exact deposit date
• Thinking about year-end donations? Waiting until January 2026 could save you hundreds
• A rising Medicare cost could cut deeper into your 2026 Social Security increase

Key Takeaways

• Social Security recipients in Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Maryland will see the biggest nominal-dollar increases to their monthly benefits in 2026, with rises of around $59–$61 per month.
• The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 marks the first time this century that beneficiaries will have received at least a 2.5% raise for five consecutive years.
• Retirees in these five states receive higher-than-average Social Security benefits largely due to their stronger earnings histories and higher median household incomes.
• Delaying Social Security claims can significantly increase monthly payouts, highlighting the advantage of saving and investing for retirement, especially in higher-income states.

Are you living in one of the top five states? How do you feel about the 2026 COLA? Have you made decisions about when to claim Social Security, or do you have tips for others navigating retirement?