Seniors will get a 2.8% raise in their monthly Social Security check in 2026, likely disappointing most Americans, including the approximately 6 millio n Californians who get benefits, according to a survey by nonprofit advocacy group AARP.

A 2.8% cost-of-livng, or COLA, increase means Social Security benefits will rise by about $56 per month starting in January, when COLA kicks in, the Social Security Administration said . Letters will be mailed in December to let beneficiaries know what their new monthly will be, SSA said. Those with a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online sooner.

Annual COLA is meant to help seniors keep up with inflation, but only 22% of Americans age 50-plus agree that a COLA of around 3% is enough to keep up with rising pri

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