Although retired-worker benefits are set to make history in 2026, the latest COLA forecast is anything but reassuring.

The latest Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) updates mean that tens of millions of retirees could see an average monthly increment of £38.77 ($49) in 2026. Social Security COLA is a yearly benefit hike based on inflation trends.

In October the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that Social Security beneficiaries, as well as those who receive Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), would see their benefits increase by 2.5 percent in 2025, thanks to the annual Cost-of-living Adjustment, or COLA as it is often called.

You're not alone if you were disappointed by Social Security's 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The 2.5% benefit increase added just $49 to the average monthly check while many retirees saw their expenses rise by more than this over the last year.

The latest cost-of-living projection for 2026 shows that seniors could see less of an increase than last year, according to the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League

Because so many older Americans get most or all of their income from Social Security, a lot of people ages 62 and over depend heavily on annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to keep up with their living expenses.

According to non-partisan group, The Senior Citizens League, 2026's cost of living adjustment increases will not likely keep up with inflation. Here's what the prediction shows.

The latest cost-of-living projection shows that seniors could see a decrease in Social Security benefits. The 2026 COLA is estimated to be around 2.3%, making the prediction 0.2% lower than last year’s COLA of 2.5%, according to the Senior Citizens League.

COLA will not be determined until October 2025 because it depends on inflation data from the third quarter, which is collected between July and September. First, a 2.3% COLA could accelerate the timeline to Social Security Trust Fund depletion,

The actual cost-of-living-adjustment won't be announced until October, but early predictions say the increase will be a smaller percentage than the 2025 increase.