Recent estimates call for a 2.6% COLA for Social Security beneficiaries in 2026, more than previously expected. This means that the average retired worker could see an increase of about $52 per month.

There are millions of older Americans today who rely on Social Security to pay their bills in retirement. Granted, some retirees have savings or other income streams they can rely on for money, like a pension or part-time work.

American seniors are frustrated with how Social Security adjusts for inflation, and they want change.

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) aims to help benefits maintain their buying power over time. Because retirees receive benefits for the rest of their lives, this adjustment makes it easier for seniors to rely on their monthly checks even as costs increase.

This October, the SSA will determine the new cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) by comparing the CPI-W data from July, August, and September of 2025 to the same data from 2024.

The latest forecast for social security’s 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) suggests that monthly benefits for retirees could rise between 2.4% and 2.7%, translating to an average increase of £38 to £43.

Recent forecasts concerning Social Security's 2026 COLA suggest the average retiree will receive an additional $48 to $54 per month in benefits next year.

The 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) would soon be announced in October. With inflation cooling, experts now expect the 2026 COLA for Social Security to land between 2.6% and 2.7%. It however is too modest to keep up with true expenditure of retirees in current inflation.