Story perspectives

2026 Social Security COLA Expected to Drop to 2.1%

4/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is estimated at 2.1% to 2.3%, down from 2.5% in 2025.
Former President Trump's tariffs could impact inflation and the COLA calculation.
The COLA is determined using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Official COLA figures will be released in October 2025, based on third-quarter CPI-W data.
Seniors express concerns that COLA increases may not keep pace with rising living costs.

History

Historical Context

The projected 2.1%-2.3% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 reflects ongoing economic pressures reminiscent of the 1970s inflation crisis. During that era, rising costs outpaced COLA adjustments, leading to widespread concern among seniors, a pattern now repeating as living expenses continue to rise faster than benefits.

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Story summary

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is estimated at 2.1% to 2.3%, down from 2.5% in 2025.
Former President Trump's tariffs could impact inflation and the COLA calculation.
The COLA is determined using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Official COLA figures will be released in October 2025, based on third-quarter CPI-W data.
Seniors express concerns that COLA increases may not keep pace with rising living costs.

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