2026 Social Security COLA Will Be Higher Than Experts Think

6 Things All Retirees Need to Know About Social Security COLAs
Tens of millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits for a substantial portion of their retirement income. Not only is Social Security a valuable source of retirement income, with the average retired worker receiving about $1,975 per month, but it is also the only inflation-protected source of income many retirees have.
Social Security COLA to Shrink Again in 2026, Adding to Retiree Financial Strain
Social Security recipients may see a 2.1% increase in 2026, the smallest COLA since 2021.
Social Security COLA prediction: Bad news for retirees?
The non-partisan advocacy group The Senior Citizens League predicts the 2026 COLA will be 2.1%, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI-W, the index used to calculate the annual increase. December’s CPI-W came in at 2.8%. Getty Images
Prediction: The 2026 Social Security COLA Will Be Higher Than Experts Think
It's far too early to know what next year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment might be. However, based on several inflation estimates, it's possible to make an educated prediction. In this video, Certified Financial Planner® Matt Frankel discusses what he foresees for Social Security recipients in 2026.
4 most worrisome things for retirees on Social Security as COLA disappoints — and how to prepare for what’s ahead
For retirees, healthcare expenses are unavoidable and increasingly unaffordable. Fidelity Research says a 65-year-old retiring in 2024 can expect to spend an average of $165,000 on healthcare and medical expenses throughout retirement — a 5% jump over the previous year and more than double 2002’s estimate.
Social Security early COLA predictions are in: Will it help or hurt beneficiaries?
Data from TSCL’s 2024 Senior Survey shows 62% of older Americans worry their retirement income won’t even cover essentials such as groceries and medical bills. Will 2026's COLA increase help?
3 Social Security Changes Retirees Need to Know About in 2025
Without Social Security, millions of Americans would be living below the poverty line. With it, many don't -- even though the average monthly retirement benefit of $1,975 (as of December) is not all that huge.
2025 COLA Shortfall: Why Social Security Retirees Are Losing Spending Power
Social Security benefits received a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025, but for many retirees, this is not enough to keep up with rising prices. Their monthly checks don't go as far as they used to,
If You Die, How Much Social Security Will Your Spouse Inherit?
Losing a spouse is likely one of the hardest experiences someone can go through. Having to deal with financial matters during this time only adds to the stress. Yet it is essential for your own security that this be accomplished.
Social Security Got a Shake-Up in 2025, and 3 Changes May Surprise Retirees
The Social Security program undergoes a series of revisions each year to ensure benefit payments keep pace with inflation and wages. The latest round of revisions took effect in January, and a recent survey published by Nationwide Retirement Institute suggests some of the changes will surprise many Americans.
This Was the Average Social Security Benefit in 2005, and Here's What It Is Now
During that time, Social Security retirement benefits have also experienced a change. In 2005, the average monthly Social ...
Social Security Payment This Week: Up to $967 To Be Sent Out
Social Security benefits form the bedrock of income for millions of Americans—and those who claim Supplemental Security ...
Trump’s federal worker buyout could impact Social Security benefits for millions, senator says
On Tuesday, the Trump administration sent a memo to millions of federal workers offering a “deferred resignation,” which ...
3 Myths About Social Security That Can Cost You
Nearly 68 million Americans receive Social Security benefits each month. Here are three myths that can cause confusion and ...
Social Security Payment This Week: Up to $5,108 To Go Out
However, those who have been claiming since before May 1997, or also collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks, are paid differently. SSI is a federal government benefit that provides monthly ...
Millions of Americans have received their first Social Security checks of 2025 — and they’re bigger than last year. So why do many retirees still feel it isn’t enough?
American retirees are receiving their first Social Security checks of 2025, and yes, they’re bigger — but not by much. The 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) means the average monthly benefit has ...