With less than two months until the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, many retirees are eager to find out how much their benefits will increase next year. While the final calculation isn’t available yet, we do have some key insights into what to expect.
1. The COLA Will Be Announced on October 15, 2025
The official announcement of the 2026 COLA will be made on the morning of October 15, 2025. This date is important because it marks the release of the final piece of data needed for the COLA calculation—the September inflation figures.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to calculate the COLA based on inflation trends from July, August, and September.
Once all the data is in, the SSA will compare the average inflation rate from the third quarter of the current year with that from the same period the previous year. The result will determine how much benefits will increase in 2026.
2. The 2026 COLA Is Likely to Be Around 2.7%
While we’re still waiting for the final September data, predictions from organizations like the Senior Citizens League (TSCL) suggest a 2.7% increase for 2026. This estimate has risen slightly over the course of the year, especially due to inflation concerns linked to tariff impacts.
If the 2.7% COLA holds, it would add about $54 to the average retired worker’s monthly Social Security check, which is currently around $2,007. Spousal benefits, averaging $954, would increase by about $26. Keep in mind that your individual COLA could be slightly higher or lower based on your current benefit amount.
3. A COLA in Line with the Average
Over the past 25 years, the average COLA has been around 2.5%. If the 2.7% estimate proves accurate, it would be in line with or slightly above the historical average. While this is a solid increase, it might not be as large as some retirees were hoping for.
If the COLA doesn’t meet your expectations, you may need to adjust your budget. Consider relying more on personal savings, exploring additional government benefits, or even working part-time to help bridge the gap between your expenses and your Social Security income.
What’s Next After the Announcement
Once the SSA announces the COLA, retirees will receive notices outlining the exact amount of their benefit increase for the next year. In the meantime, you can get a rough idea by applying the predicted COLA percentage to your current benefits, helping you prepare for the changes.
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
In light of potentially modest COLA increases, many retirees may find it beneficial to explore strategies that can increase their overall retirement income. By learning about some lesser-known “Social Security secrets,” you could potentially add up to $23,760 more annually to your retirement funds.
