If you've tried to buy eggs, or milk, or ice cream or put a burger on the grill or -- basically, well, live in the United States this year, you know how high prices continue to rise. But there's a break coming for those on Social Security.
Based on the latest inflation numbers, data shows recipients should get a 2.7% raise in 2026. The official announcement won't come until October, but CNBC and others noted that the latest trends show that should be the increase.
The estimate comes from from both Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, and the Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior group.
That 2.7% is a .2% increase over the raise retirees and others on Social Security received in 2025. But the Senior Citizens League says it's still not enough to cover the staggering rise in costs.
“With the COLA announcement around the corner, seniors across America are holding their breath. While a higher COLA would be welcome because their monthly benefits will increase, many will be disappointed,” said TSCL Executive Director Shannon Benton. “TSCL’s research shows that many seniors believe the COLA does not adequately capture the inflation they experience.”
The league conducted a study of seniors earlier this year that found nearly 13% of respondents survive on less than $1,000 a month after taxes and deductions for health insurance and other costs. Overall, 39% of beneficiaries depend on Social Security for their entire monthly income.
"(Cost of living adjustments) may not fully account for rising healthcare costs and shelter costs, which disproportionately affect older adults," Forbes found.