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.

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.

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