The social security cost-of-living adjustment prediction for 2026 continues to rise, as inflation numbers continue to roll out.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s where the latest numbers stand:<\/p>\n
Social Security COLA 2026<\/p>\n
The backstory<\/strong><\/p>\n In June, The Senior Citizens League, a seniors’ advocacy group, predicted the 2026 cost-of-living update would be 2.5%, up from May\u2019s estimate of 2.4%, and the March estimate of 2.3%.<\/p>\n For context<\/strong><\/p>\n Social Security’s COLA is calculated using a variant of CPI data that measures average annual inflation for the months of July, August and September,\u00a0according to FOX Business<\/a> \u2013 meaning the final COLA for 2026 will be unveiled after September’s CPI print is released in mid-October.<\/p>\n By the numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n With the latest data in hand, TSCL estimated that the Social Security COLA\u00a0will be 2.7%<\/a> \u2013 which would raise the average monthly benefit for retired workers by $54 from $2,008 to $2,062.<\/p>\n Dig deeper<\/strong><\/p>\n A COLA of 2.7% would be higher than 2025\u2019s COLA of 2.5%, but lower than the previous year\u2019s of 3.2%.<\/p>\n Over the last 20 years, the COLA has averaged 2.6%, according to TSCL.<\/p>\n What’s next<\/strong><\/p>\n The COLA will be determined and announced officially in October.<\/p>\n RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>Inflation rose last month amid weakening job market: How will the Fed respond?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n August inflation<\/p>\n