Story perspectives

76% Say 3.5% Social Security COLA Isn’t Enough

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 4:43 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment on October 14.
AARP survey finds 76 % of adults 50 + consider a 3.5 % COLA insufficient.
Among current recipients, 80 % say a 3.5 % increase will not cover rising costs.
Seventy-one percent say a 5-8 % COLA would cover everyday expenses.
The average retired worker earned $2,087.52 in August, so a 3.5 % rise adds about $73 monthly.

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Story summary

The Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment on October 14.
AARP survey finds 76 % of adults 50 + consider a 3.5 % COLA insufficient.
Among current recipients, 80 % say a 3.5 % increase will not cover rising costs.
Seventy-one percent say a 5-8 % COLA would cover everyday expenses.
The average retired worker earned $2,087.52 in August, so a 3.5 % rise adds about $73 monthly.