2026 Social Security COLA Will Be Higher Than Experts Think

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.
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 latest prediction for 2026: 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
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,
Retirees, Brace Yourself for Another Meager Social Security COLA in 2026
Social Security recipients may see a modest 2.5% increase in 2026, matching the smallest COLA in four years. Posted: February 3, 2025 | Last updated: February 3, 2025
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?
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.
Two moves retirees may make now to boost their 2025 Social Security benefit checks
A 2.5% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is the lowest increase to benefits since 2021. To increase those checks, retirees may consider two money moves.
What Happens To Your Social Security If You Sell Your Home In Retirement
Selling a home in retirement doesn't inherently disqualify you from Social Security benefits, but there are some things you should know.
What happens if you have a large income when you receive Social Security, such as selling your car?
Navigating the complexities of Social Security benefits can be daunting, especially when considering significant financial events like selling a car or a house.
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Update: Here's the Projected Increase for 2026
By now, all seniors on Social Security should have gotten their first checks for 2025. With the latest 2.5% cost-of-living ...
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 ...
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 ...