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2026 Social Security COLA Projected at 2.7% Increase

9/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The projected Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.7%, an increase from earlier estimates of 2.5% and 2.4%.
The final COLA will be announced around October 15, based on Consumer Price Index data from July to September.
A 2.7% increase would raise average monthly benefits for retirees by $54, from $2,008 to $2,062.
This increase is lower than the 2025 COLA of 2.5% and the 2024 COLA of 3.2%.
Inflation rose 2.9% in August, driven by higher prices for gas, groceries, and airfares, while Medicare premiums are expected to rise by 12% in 2026.

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Story summary

The projected Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.7%, an increase from earlier estimates of 2.5% and 2.4%.
The final COLA will be announced around October 15, based on Consumer Price Index data from July to September.
A 2.7% increase would raise average monthly benefits for retirees by $54, from $2,008 to $2,062.
This increase is lower than the 2025 COLA of 2.5% and the 2024 COLA of 3.2%.
Inflation rose 2.9% in August, driven by higher prices for gas, groceries, and airfares, while Medicare premiums are expected to rise by 12% in 2026.