The economic situation in the United States seems almost unique compared to recent years, especially given the changes that have occurred with the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House. Speaking of data, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (known as the CPI-W) increased by 2.8% in August 2025 compared to the previous year, according to September 11 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And citizens’ concerns are growing as the announcement of the 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) draws near.
COLA adjustment designed to protect people with disabilities, and survivors against inflation…
Therefore, the 2026 COLA adjustment, designed to protect the purchasing power of retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors against inflation, will be officially announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the coming days. A CPI-W of 2.8% in August suggests that Social Security beneficiaries could see a modest increase in their Social Security payments starting in January 2026.
A 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment would increase the average benefit for a retired worker
The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the increase in benefits and the 2026 COLA on October 10. In any case, anxiety is mounting for millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the United States as the announcement date for the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) approaches. A 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment would increase the average benefit for a retired worker—which in August 2025 was $2,008 per month—by about $54.
The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment, which was based on third-quarter 2024 inflation data, increased Social Security benefits
As we’ve discussed, early projections currently suggest the 2026 COLA will be 2.7%, a modest increase from extreme inflation years like 2023 (8.7%), but slightly higher than the 2.5% in 2025. The average monthly survivor benefit (up from $1,575 in August) would increase by about $43, while the average Social Security Disability Insurance payment (up from $1,583 in July) would increase by $43. The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment, which was based on third-quarter 2024 inflation data, increased Social Security benefits by about $49 per month.
These are all estimates until the official announcement is made in October
On the other hand, the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment, which was 3.2%, increased payments by $59 for the average retiree. The increase will be reflected in monthly payments starting in January 2026. If the 2.7% increase is confirmed, the average increase for retired workers could be about $54 more per month. These are all estimates until the official announcement is made in October.
That’s why it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest legal changes and how they affect the monthly benefits
For example, estimates indicate that some seniors may also benefit from a new $6,000 tax deduction for older taxpayers included in the recent “One Big Beautiful Bill.” That’s why it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest legal changes and how they affect the monthly benefits received by many families across the country. We always keep in mind that benefits operate differently depending on the state of residence, family and living conditions, and monthly income and spending. That’s why we insist that each case is unique and that if you have any questions, it’s best to contact official information centers and points of contact.
