Social Security Spousal Benefits: The Raise You Can Expect — Complete Guide to the COLA

Millions of Americans who depend on Social Security Spousal Benefits are preparing for an increase in their monthly payments in 2026, following the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

While the annual adjustment is designed to offset inflation, experts caution that the modest boost may not significantly improve purchasing power for most retirees, according to a report by The Motley Fool.

Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits

To qualify for regular Social Security retirement benefits, an individual must earn at least 40 work credits through consistent payroll contributions. These credits are typically earned over about 10 years of employment. Workers can start collecting benefits as early as age 62, though waiting until full retirement age (FRA) ensures they receive their full, unreduced benefit amount.

For those who have spent much of their lives outside the traditional workforce — for example, managing a household or caring for family members — Social Security Spousal Benefits provide crucial income support.

Spousal benefits are available to individuals married to or divorced from someone eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. Generally, a spousal benefit equals up to 50% of the working spouse’s full benefit amount, serving as a key financial safety net for non-working or part-time partners.

COLA 2026: What Beneficiaries Can Expect

Each year, the COLA ensures that Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation. In 2025, recipients received a 2.5% increase, reflecting moderate inflation trends.

For 2026, the SSA has announced a 2.8% COLA, slightly higher than last year. This increase applies equally to all benefit categories — including spousal benefits.

However, since spousal benefits are capped at half of the working spouse’s full benefit, the dollar increase will be smaller.

For example, as of August 2025, the average spousal benefit stood at roughly $955 per month. A 2.8% COLA would add about $27 per month, bringing the average payment to approximately $982.

Still, much of this gain could be offset by rising Medicare Part B premiums, which are deducted directly from many beneficiaries’ Social Security payments.

Modest Raise, Mounting Costs

While the COLA adjustment is meant to protect retirees’ purchasing power, many say it hasn’t kept up with real-world inflation. Costs for essentials — such as housing, groceries, and healthcare — have risen faster than Social Security benefits.

This challenge is especially pronounced for those living primarily on spousal benefits, which are already lower than typical retirement checks. Even with a higher COLA percentage, the actual dollar increase remains modest.

Financial planners encourage retirees to view the COLA as a small supplement rather than a solution — and to strengthen their finances through:

• Careful budgeting and expense tracking
• Downsizing or relocating to reduce housing costs
• Exploring part-time or freelance work
• Seeking community or state assistance programs

Planning Beyond COLA Adjustments

Experts also suggest retirees take a broader look at their retirement strategy to better withstand inflation pressures. For example:

• Renting out a spare room or property can generate passive income.
• Moving to lower-cost states or regions may stretch limited benefits further.
• Reviewing Medicare and insurance plans annually can help reduce medical expenses.

While Social Security Spousal Benefits remain a lifeline for millions of older Americans, the 2026 COLA increase should be seen as a modest adjustment — not a major financial lift. Planning ahead remains key to maintaining financial stability.

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