According to non-partisan group, The Senior Citizens League, 2026's cost of living adjustment increases will not likely keep up with inflation. Here's what the prediction shows.

Retired-worker benefits can hit a psychologically important level next year, but seniors are still likely to get the short end of the stick.

Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps keep retirees afloat as inflation erodes purchasing power. But this year, it’s sparking some anxiety. Millions of Americans are facing tough questions about how to stretch their money with a modest 2.

Starting in January, Social Security recipients saw a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments as the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) took effect. Benefits for February were sent out Wednesday. Social Security payments are sent on the second, third and fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on the recipient's birth date.

Because so many older Americans get most or all of their income from Social Security, a lot of people ages 62 and over depend heavily on annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to keep up with their living expenses.

COLA beneftis are often not enough for retirees to maintain a comfortable living standard, and the forecast for 2026 likely won't shift that.