Millions of American seniors may soon see the smallest boost to their Social Security checks in five years. A projected 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 has sparked frustration across the country, especially after already receiving a low 2.5% increase in January 2025.
While COLA is meant to help Social Security beneficiaries keep up with inflation, many seniors argue it’s simply not enough—especially as essential costs like healthcare, housing, and food continue to rise.
What Is the 2026 COLA Projection?
Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts benefits based on inflation. This adjustment, known as COLA, is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
According to the Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a respected nonpartisan senior advocacy group, the upcoming 2026 COLA is currently projected to be just 2.4%. This figure was based on April 2025 data from the U.S. Department of Labor and reflects a cooling of inflation since the pandemic’s economic peak.
To compare:
- 2022 COLA: 5.9%
- 2023 COLA: 8.7%
- 2024 COLA: 3.2%
- 2025 COLA: 2.5%
- Projected 2026 COLA: 2.4%
If this projection holds, 2026 will mark the lowest increase since the 1.3% COLA in 2021.
Why Are Seniors Upset?
While a COLA increase may sound positive, many seniors say it’s simply not enough to cover the real rise in their daily expenses. According to a TSCL survey, nearly 20% of respondents reported spending over $1,000 per month on healthcare alone, which includes out-of-pocket expenses, prescriptions, insurance, and doctor visits.
Add in the rising costs of groceries, rent, and utilities, and a 2.4% increase barely makes a dent.
Seniors have been especially vocal on social media:
- “What a joke,” one Facebook user wrote.
- “We paid into Social Security and deserve a decent cost of living raise,” said another.
- Others pointed out that tariffs and broader economic changes have increased prices, but COLA doesn’t keep up.
The frustration is clear: a COLA that doesn’t reflect true living costs can lead to a drop in living standards for retirees.
The CPI-W Controversy
COLA is tied to the CPI-W, which tracks spending habits of working Americans—not retirees. This has long been a point of debate. Many argue that using a more senior-focused index, like the CPI-E (Consumer Price Index for the Elderly), would better reflect senior-specific costs like medical care and housing.
The current system doesn’t fully consider these expenses, causing a growing gap between benefits received and actual needs.
When Will the 2026 COLA Be Finalized?
While 2.4% is the current projection, the SSA will officially announce the 2026 COLA in October 2025. This final figure will be based on inflation data from July, August, and September—the third quarter of the year.
Until then, the figure could go up or down depending on how inflation trends over the next few months.
Other Social Security Changes to Watch
Though the 2026 COLA might disappoint, other Social Security updates are in the works to help Americans manage rising costs. These include:
- Expanded benefit programs that may include perks like assistance with pet food and even recreational costs like golf fees
- A new Social Security rule set to roll out in 2025 that could help put more money back in the hands of certain beneficiaries
These additional benefits aim to provide more value, even as monthly checks grow at a slower rate.
While Social Security COLA increases are designed to help seniors keep pace with inflation, the projected 2.4% boost for 2026 has left many feeling shortchanged. Rising living costs, especially for healthcare, continue to stretch limited incomes. With the final adjustment still months away, seniors are watching closely—hoping for a more realistic reflection of their everyday expenses.