Overview

• The Social Security Administration is scheduled to announce the official 2026 cost-of-living adjustment on Oct. 15.
• Independent estimates peg the COLA near 2.7% to 2.8%, which would translate to about $54 more per month for the average retired worker if realized.
• The Medicare Trustees estimate the standard Part B premium will rise to about $206.20 in 2026, an increase of more than 11% that is typically deducted from monthly checks.
• Reporting indicates many beneficiaries could see much of their COLA offset by the premium jump, limiting net gains in take-home benefits.
• Advocates note the CPI-W measure used for COLAs may understate seniors’ costs, and a TSCL analysis finds Social Security’s buying power fell about 20% from 2010 to 2024.