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New Analysis Finds U.S. Social Security Leaves Retirees $9,108 to Spare, Ranks 13th Globally

A 2.8% cost-of-living increase lifts average monthly checks to about $2,071, with higher 2026 Medicare premiums reducing many net gains.

Overview

  • Moorepay, a private-sector analysis of 85 countries, ranks the U.S. 13th for pension adequacy and estimates Social Security covers 163.46% of basic costs.
  • The study calculates an average $9,108 in annual discretionary income for U.S. retirees after essential expenses.
  • The 2026 COLA is 2.8%, raising the estimated average monthly benefit by about $56 to roughly $2,071.
  • Higher Medicare Part B premiums in 2026 are expected to offset part of the COLA for many beneficiaries.
  • SSA’s chief actuary warns of trust-fund insolvency by late 2032, with analyses pointing to potential $18,400 yearly losses for an average retired couple if no fix passes.