(NewsNation) — With inflation on the rise, retirees are likely to see a bump in their Social Security checks next year that's larger than previously expected.

A new estimate from the Senior Citizens League puts Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, at 2.7% in 2026 — slightly above this year's 2.5% increase.

That projection is based on the latest inflation data and would raise the average monthly benefit for retired workers by $54, from $2,008 to $2,062, the senior advocacy group said.

Thursday's inflation report showed consumer prices rose 2.9% in August from a year earlier — the fastest annual pace since January. That's bad news for shoppers, but for seniors, it could mean bigger Social Security checks in 2026.

The government determines the COLA by comparing the averag

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