Social Security checks saw a 2.5% boost this month thanks to the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For most retirees, this is the only benefit increase they can expect all year. Their checks won't go up again until the next COLA takes effect in January 2026.

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.

Almost all Social Security beneficiaries are familiar with the most popular and publicized change: the increase in monthly benefit checks for 2025 due to the automated cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. As you already know, that increase will be 2.5%.

In a survey of 2,000 retirees, more than half said that the 2.5% COLA that just went into effect is insufficient. More than 80% say that the COLA won’t help them pay for living expenses. Inflation has been a major issue for retirees in recent years.

Key Points Social Security benefits got a 2.5% COLA in 2025. That raise is already trailing inflation. If you’re struggling, it may be time to rethink your spending, downsize, relocate, or go back to work.