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),

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

The first Social Security checks with 2025's 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) have gone out, with more coming in the following weeks. The average retired worker will now receive $1,976 per month, up from $1,927 last year. However, many seniors were hoping for a bigger increase.

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.