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.

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

Many Social Security recipients are holding out hope for the new year, though, and banking on a larger COLA for 2026. So far, initial estimates do seem to indicate that seniors could be looking at a more generous raise. But that's actually not such a good thing.

If you're a Social Security beneficiary or planning your retirement, concerns about potential benefit cuts are valid. These worries stem from real financial challenges facing the program. Here, we explore the key reasons behind these possible cuts in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.

Similarly, Social Security recipients are eligible for cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, so that their benefits are able to keep pace with inflation. Many Social Security recipients end up collecting a monthly benefit for several decades. If those benefits weren't eligible for COLAs, they'd be almost guaranteed to fall behind on bills.

This article uses current statistics, historical data and future projections to imagine what Social Security might look like 25 years from now, in 2050.