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
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.
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?
54% of Retirees View the 2025 Social Security COLA as Insufficient. Here's How to Ensure a Wealthy Retirement.
In order to ensure that benefits keep up with inflation, the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically makes a cost of living adjustment (COLA) each year. For 2025, the SSA has delivered a 2.5% COLA -- and the benefit increase appears to be getting mixed reviews from retirees.
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.
This Was the Average Social Security Benefit in 2005, and Here's What It Is Now
A lot has changed over the past 20 years. In 2005, the iPhone didn't exist, YouTube was just starting, and people listened to ...
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 ...
Social Security Payment: Here's who will receive up to $2,000 this Monday, February 3
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to distribute another round of payments this Monday, February 3 to ...
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2 Social Security changes that could hurt you financially, if you're still working
Each year, for example, Social Security benefits are eligible for an automatic cost-of-living adjustment. In 2025, ...
4 most worrisome things for retirees on Social Security as COLA disappoints — and how to prepare
For retirees, healthcare expenses are unavoidable and increasingly unaffordable. Fidelity Research says a 65-year-old ...
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 ...
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 ...