The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is projected to be 2.7 percent, according to the latest estimate from advocacy group The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). But the increase, while intended to offset inflation, may not be enough to keep pace with the rising costs that retirees face.

"Unfortunately, next year's COLA is shaping up to be a lose-lose scenario for retirees " said Keith Speights, writer for financial website The Motley Fool.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates COLAs using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index reflects the spending habits of younger, urban workers rather than retirees. Since 1975, COLAs have been set annually using CPI-W data from July through September, with the goal of k

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