2026 Cost of Living Adjustment Notices for Washington, DC Public School Teachers, Police Officers, and Firefighters Are Available

On February 3, 2026, the DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR) announced the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirees and survivors receiving annuities under the District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighters' Retirement Plan (Police and Firefighters' Plan) and the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Plan (Teachers' Plan).

In accordance with the changes in the Consumer Price Index applicable to the Plans during calendar year 2025, Teachers' Plan annuitants hired before November 1, 1996, will receive a COLA of 2.6 percent, and as the percentage is lower than the 3.0 percent cap, annuitants hired on or after November 1, 1996, will also receive a COLA of 2.6 percent.

Additionally, Police/Fire Plan annuitants hired before November 10, 1996, will receive a COLA of 2.7 percent, and as the percentage is lower than the 3.0 percent cap, annuitants hired on or after November 10, 1996, will also receive a COLA of 2.7 percent.

Annuitants who retired from either Plan after March 1, 2025, and before March 1, 2026, will receive a prorated amount of the appropriate percentage comparable to the number of months they were retired prior to March 1, 2026.

In accordance with the provisions of the applicable statutes, the effective date of these increases is March 1, 2025, and they are payable to eligible annuitants effective April 1, 2026.

For more detailed information about the COLAs related to each Plan, please refer to the relevant PDF attached below.