Seniors are expected to see a decrease in their Social Security benefits as financial experts predict a lower cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. According to the Senior Citizens League, (TSCL),

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.

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.

Retirees who count on Social Security should prepare for a relatively meager cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their benefits in 2026. Learn More: 3 Changes That Could Be Coming to Social

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.

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

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.

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.