The latest forecast for the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has inched up to 2.5 percent—just enough to match last year’s increase.

For many retirees, that would mean roughly fifty dollars more per month on a typical benefit check. This is a small improvement over the previous estimate of 2.4 percent. However, it still falls far short of keeping up with the real costs older Americans face every day.

This number is still an estimate and won’t be finalized until the fall, when inflation data from the third quarter is reviewed. That means it can still go up—or down—depending on how prices move through the summer.

Why the COLA May (and Should) Change Before October

Even a slight shift in the Consumer Price Index could change the final percentage and directly affect the monthly income millions rely on. There’s still time for this number to change. If seniors speak out in the coming months, this number could go up.

The good news? This estimate has crept up slightly from previous months. The bad news? Seniors still face soaring expenses. Healthcare, utilities, housing, and groceries have all outpaced general inflation in recent years. A fixed income simply doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.

That’s why advocacy is still essential. The way COLA is calculated can be influenced by public pressure and legislative action. If enough people speak out, policymakers may be more inclined to consider reforms that better align Social Security benefits with the costs seniors actually face. Ready to use your voice?

Adding your name to our petition or contacting your representatives can help ensure that retirees are not left behind. The estimate may be 2.5 percent for now, but with enough signatures, we can increase the 2026 COLA significantly by October. Sign our petition today.