2026 Social Security COLA Will Be Higher Than Experts Think

Prediction: The 2026 Social Security COLA Will Be Higher Than Experts Think
It's far too early to know what next year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment might be. However, based on several inflation estimates, it's possible to make an educated prediction. In this video, Certified Financial Planner® Matt Frankel discusses what he foresees for Social Security recipients in 2026.
Social Security COLA latest prediction for 2026: Bad news for retirees?
The non-partisan advocacy group The Senior Citizens League predicts the 2026 COLA will be 2.1%, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI-W, the index used to calculate the annual increase. December’s CPI-W came in at 2.8%. Getty Images
Social Security early COLA predictions are in: Will it help or hurt beneficiaries?
Data from TSCL’s 2024 Senior Survey shows 62% of older Americans worry their retirement income won’t even cover essentials such as groceries and medical bills. Will 2026's COLA increase help?
4 most worrisome things for retirees on Social Security as COLA disappoints — and how to prepare for what’s ahead
For retirees, healthcare expenses are unavoidable and increasingly unaffordable. Fidelity Research says a 65-year-old retiring in 2024 can expect to spend an average of $165,000 on healthcare and medical expenses throughout retirement — a 5% jump over the previous year and more than double 2002’s estimate.
Two moves retirees may make now to boost their 2025 Social Security benefit checks
A 2.5% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is the lowest increase to benefits since 2021. To increase those checks, retirees may consider two money moves.
3 Little-Known Factors That Could Affect Your Social Security Benefits
A growing number of Americans are heavily reliant on Social Security to make ends meet in retirement. 60% of retirees said Social Security represents a major source of income for them, according to the most recent edition of an annual Gallup poll.
What Happens To Your Social Security If You Sell Your Home In Retirement
Selling a home in retirement doesn't inherently disqualify you from Social Security benefits, but there are some things you should know.
What happens if you have a large income when you receive Social Security, such as selling your car?
Navigating the complexities of Social Security benefits can be daunting, especially when considering significant financial events like selling a car or a house.
If You Die, How Much Social Security Will Your Spouse Inherit?
Losing a spouse is likely one of the hardest experiences someone can go through. Having to deal with financial matters during this time only adds to the stress. Yet it is essential for your own security that this be accomplished.
Here’s the average Social Security check for more than 68 million Americans in 2025 — how do you compare?
More than 68 million Americans receive a Social Security benefit. Of those beneficiaries, 53,595,000 are aged 65 or older and ...
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Update: Here's the Projected Increase for 2026
By now, all seniors on Social Security should have gotten their first checks for 2025. With the latest 2.5% cost-of-living ...
Social Security Payment This Week: Up to $5,108 To Go Out
Another round of Social Security benefit payments will be made this week—are you one of the recipients? Why It Matters.
2025 COLA Shortfall: Why Social Security Retirees Are Losing Spending Power
Social Security benefits received a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025, but for many retirees, this is not enough ...
Trump’s federal worker buyout could impact Social Security benefits for millions, senator says
On Tuesday, the Trump administration sent a memo to millions of federal workers offering a “deferred resignation,” which ...
Social Security Payment This Week: Up to $967 To Be Sent Out
Social Security benefits form the bedrock of income for millions of Americans—and those who claim Supplemental Security ...
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Why Your 2025 Social Security COLA Is Probably Too Small
If you receive Social Security benefits, you are getting a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) this year. This means your retirement benefits check is going to be bigger than it was before.
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Social Security Disability Insurance February 2025: Here's When You'll Get Paid
Here's the Social Security Disability Insurance payment schedule for February 2025.