In spite of an expected first for Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment since 1997, next year's raise is likely to come up short for most beneficiaries.

The biggest announcement of the year for Social Security's more than 70 million beneficiaries is rapidly approaching. In a little over two weeks, on Oct. 15, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will lift the hood on the much-anticipated 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and provide beneficiaries with an answer to their most-asked question: How much will I receive each month in 2026?

This is an especially important reveal for aging workers, who, based on 24 years of annual surveys from Gallup, rely on their Social Security check to cover some portion of their expenses.

While Social Security's 2026 "raise" is set to make

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