Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment is estimated at 2.7%, but seniors are still behind as prices of what they use most rise even faster.

The final two inflation data points that go into the COLA calculation will be released in the coming months. Teresa Ghilarducci, a labor economist at New York City’s New School

Historically, COLAs have averaged 3.7% since 1975, but in more recent years they’ve been closer to 2.6%. For 2025, the increase was 2.5% — exactly what the Senior Citizens League predicted. One thing to keep in mind: Medicare Part B premiums are also going up. The standard monthly premium is expected to rise by at least $21.50 in 2026.