Social Security gets a modest increase

Have you noticed, it’s rare to leave a store with two bags of groceries without spending $40?

As prices seem poised to edge up, seniors receiving Social Security can expect a modest but important boost in 2026.

The Social Security Administration’s preliminary forecasts show the cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) increasing to 2.7%, up slightly from last year’s 2.5%. This translates to an average monthly benefit rise of about $54 for the typical retired worker, raising checks from roughly $2,008 to around $2,062. While this increase offers some relief, it may only partially offset the real-world costs retirees face today.