Even in the best-case scenario, retired workers may be disappointed with Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

The Social Security Administration will announce the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 on the October 15, shortly after the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its September inflation report at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Surveys conducted by The Motley Fool show most retirees found Social Security's COLAs insufficient in 2024 and 2025, meaning the additional income did not completely offset rising prices. The same outcome is likely next year due to a significant increase in Medicare Part B premiums and tariffs imposed by President Trump.

Here's the best-case and worst-case scenario for 2026 COLA.

Social Security benefits will increase in January

Annual cost-of

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