Every year, the Social Security Administration, or SSA, examines inflation data and adjusts Social Security benefits accordingly. In short, the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is designed to help retirees keep up with the rising cost of goods and services.

When you are on  Social Security, you can expect your retirement benefits to increase during most years. That’s because Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) typically happen automatically from year to year.

Key Takeaways For 2026, the Senior Citizens League predicts a smaller cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits compared to last year.They estimate that the COLA will be 2.1% in 2026, which is down from 2.

Social Security beneficiaries may face taxes if they have additional income sources or due to the COLA increase. Here's how to determine if you're affected.

Social Security beneficiaries have relied on annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to maintain their purchasing power.

Key Points In 2025, Social Security benefits got a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment. Initial estimates are calling for a similar COLA in 2026. At this point, it’s premature to nail down a COLA, as it will depend on economic conditions in the next 12