The projected 2.4 percent COLA for 2026 is already raising eyebrows—and for good reason. If this estimate holds, it will be the smallest cost-of-living adjustment since 2021’s 1.3 percent, and a step down from the 2.5 percent increase for 2025.
Yes, inflation is slowing—but that doesn’t mean prices are falling. Costs for essentials like groceries, rent, and healthcare remain high, and for many retirees, each year’s COLA just feels like playing catch-up that never quite catches up.
Still, there’s room to stay informed and keep the pressure on. The official COLA won’t be finalized until October 2025, based on third-quarter CPI-W data. That means things could shift, especially if inflation picks up again in the coming months. The outlook could also change if policymakers begin to acknowledge that the formula used doesn’t reflect the real spending patterns of older Americans.
Many are calling for a better, more accurate method to calculate COLA. They demand one that considers the unique cost burdens faced by seniors. Whether or not change comes soon, knowing the numbers and understanding what drives them is the first step in pushing for better outcomes.
So while 2.4 percent may not sound like good news, the story isn’t over yet. Together, we can drive change. Will you help us secure the future of Social Security and keep COLAs climbing by petitioning legislators?
Help The Seniors Center Protect the Future of Social Security
The Seniors Center is committed to finding solutions to strengthen and protect the Social Security Trust Fund. Social Security is a contract between citizens and the government. Money deposited in the Trust Fund should only be used to pay benefits to eligible recipients.
The Seniors Center is demanding Congress finally put a stop to the careless borrowing and spending by greedy politicians that has put our Trust Fund and our secure retirement in jeopardy.
At The Seniors Center, our goal is to help seniors, and we’re doing that by protecting the future of Social Security. Retirees shouldn’t have to worry about losing their hard-earned benefits to taxes or the agendas of greedy politicians. If you agree, we invite you to sign our petition today! And follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
