With inflation and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) still ineffective, America’s retirees are increasingly looking for ways to further expand Social Security benefits.
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Why are Social Security benefits different?
Nationwide Cola In 2026 it will be 2.8%. However, the actual monetary increase received by retirees may vary from state to state.
Because more than 65 million Americans rely on Social Security for a significant portion of their retirement income, where they live can have a significant impact on their net income and standard of living.
According to Finance Buzz, extending Social Security benefits is easier in many states than in others due to local laws, taxes and other considerations. So everyone will get the same percentage increase, but states with higher average monthly benefits will see larger cash increases to ensure a comfortable retirement.
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States with the highest Social Security income
Finance Buzz released a chart identifying the 10 states with the largest Social Security increases, based on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 2025 Annual Statistical Supplement.
The analysis ranks states based on how much Social Security income retirees can keep after state taxes, COLA and other local financial factors.
These figures show benefits through 2024. However, these are the most recent figures provided by the SSA. The Motley Fool’s Kailey Hagen calculated the average forecast for 2026.
At the top of the list are the following states:
- In New Hampshire, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,184. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,486.21.
- connecticutmonthly benefits in 2024 are $2,196. According to The Motley Fool, the average monthly benefit is expected to be as high as $2,467.98.
- In New Jersey, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,190. Expected average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,414.65
- In Maryland, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,140. The average monthly benefit is expected to be as high as $2,420.62.
- In Delaware, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,171. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,372.50.
- minnesotamonthly benefits in 2024 are $2,095. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,347.93.
- Washington, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,099. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,328.86.
- In Rhode Island, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,192. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,310.75.
- In Virginia, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,178. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,294.96.
- In Massachusetts, monthly benefits in 2024 are $2,084. The Motley Fool estimates the average monthly benefit could be as high as $2,363.93.
