Social Security, COLA

Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Update: Here's the Projected Increase for 2026
By now, all seniors on Social Security should have gotten their first checks for 2025. With the latest 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in effect, the average benefit has climbed to $1,976 per month. That's about $49 higher than the average in December 2024.
2025 COLA Shortfall: Why Social Security Retirees Are Losing Spending Power
Social Security benefits received a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025, but for many retirees, this is not enough to keep up with rising prices. Their monthly checks don't go as far as they used to,
Social Security COLA prediction: Bad news for retirees?
The non-partisan advocacy group The Senior Citizens League predicts the 2026 COLA will be 2.1%, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI-W, the index used to calculate the annual increase. December’s CPI-W came in at 2.8%. Getty Images
Here's Exactly How the 2025 Social Security COLA Affected Retirement Benefits
The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment officially goes into effect in December of each year -- so technically speaking, the 2.5% adjustment was the 2024 COLA. However, Social Security benefits are paid one month in arrears, so the December benefit is the monthly payment that is physically received in January.
4 most worrisome things for retirees on Social Security as COLA disappoints — and how to prepare
For retirees, healthcare expenses are unavoidable and increasingly unaffordable. Fidelity Research says a 65-year-old retiring in 2024 can expect to spend an average of $165,000 on healthcare and medical expenses throughout retirement — a 5% jump over the previous year and more than double 2002’s estimate.
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Projected To Shrink Further in 2026
The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonpartisan senior group, recently released their monthly COLA estimate, predicting that it would moderate to 2.1% in 2026.
Bad news for Social Security retirees, COLA 2025 may be cause for concern this year
Recipients of Social Security received an increase in benefits in 2025, as they do every year. However, new economic data and policies could spell trouble.
Social Security's 2025 COLA Is Now a Reality. Here's How Much it Benefits the Average Senior
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.

Social Security Disability Insurance Feb. 2025

Social Security is sending out $1,000 checks on Friday, Jan. 31: find out if you’re getting one
Before the end of January 2025, the Social Security Administration is due to pay out one last round of benefit checks.
4 most worrisome things for retirees on Social Security as COLA disappoints — and how to prepare for what’s ahead
Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps keep retirees afloat as inflation erodes purchasing power.
2 Social Security changes that could hurt you financially, if you're still working
One positive aspect of Social Security is that the program is set up to adapt to economic changes. Each year, for example, ...
Should You Claim Social Security at the Same Time as Your Spouse? Here's How to Know.
For one thing, you get the company of someone else at a time when you're not busy working every day and you may have a ...