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.

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.