Key Takeaways For 2026, the Senior Citizens League predicts a smaller cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits compared to last year.They estimate that the COLA will be 2.1% in 2026, which is down from 2.

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, went into effect recently and was reflected on the payments received in January. Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted to keep up with inflation (if there is any),

Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment is expected to shrink in 2026 and could be the lowest increase seen in a decade.

Key Points Social Security benefits got a 2.5% COLA in 2025. That raise is already trailing inflation. If you’re struggling, it may be time to rethink your spending, downsize, relocate, or go back to work.

In 2025, millions of Americans will see a modest increase in their Social Security checks due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment, estimated by The Senior Citizens League, reflects changes in inflation and aims to help beneficiaries keep up with rising costs.