Social Security 2026 COLA projected to increase from 2025

The official Social Security cost-of-living-adjustment, or COLA, announcement for 2026 is a month away.

But the latest projection, according to the Senior Citizens League, estimates that the COLA for 2026 would be 2.7%, an increase from the 2025 COLA.

Last year’s COLA was one of the lowest increases in years.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest projection and whether it will be accurate once the official COLA is announced.

What does the latest 2026 Social Security COLA estimate mean for you?

The latest Social Security COLA estimate for 2026 is 2.7%, according to the non-partisan Senior Citizens League.

It is 0.2% higher than last year’s increase, which was 2.5% and one of the lowest on record.

A 2.7% increase would raise the average monthly benefit for Social Security recipients by $54.

So those receiving $2,008 would instead receive $2,062.

However, this increase may not offset the costs of inflation.

The Social Security COLA for 2026 will be announced on Oct. 15, 2025, this year after the final data from this fiscal year is put together.

Who is eligible for a Social Security COLA increase?

Anyone who is eligible to receive Social Security benefits, including retirees over 62 years old, along with disabled and blind people, is eligible to receive the COLA associated with Social Security benefits.

In some cases, the spouses, surviving spouses, or surviving dependents can also collect Social Security and the Social Security increases that come along with it, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).