While inflation may be cooling, it doesn’t mean prices are dropping. In fact, costs for essentials like food, healthcare, and housing remain high, continuing to put financial pressure on retirees. The 2025 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5% doesn’t fully address these ongoing challenges.

Cooling inflation only means that prices are rising more slowly – not that they’re going down. Retirees still face steep costs for everyday goods, and this modest COLA may not keep up with their real financial needs. Over time, even a small gap between rising costs and benefit increases can lead to significant financial strain.

The 2025 COLA may feel out of touch with the realities many are living through. Just because inflation has slowed doesn’t mean retirees are seeing relief. A more substantial adjustment would better reflect the continued high cost of living and offer meaningful support for those relying on Social Security.

Do you feel this COLA has fallen short? Then sign our petition to raise it.