Senior Citizens League's 2026 Social Security COLA Projection Hits 2.7% 🚀

Fifth monthly rise in a row. The Senior Citizens League just bumped their COLA projection to 2.7%. A bit above the 25-year average. Not bad. This would add about $54 to the typical monthly benefit of $2,007.

Social Security checks only change once a year through these COLAs. Announced in October. Paid in January. For many retirees, these adjustments are kind of crucial. Even small bumps matter. A lot.

The projection's journey seems noteworthy. Started at a measly 2.1% back in January 2025. Crept up to 2.2-2.3% by February when folks were worried Trump's tariffs might push inflation higher. Then it kept climbing. Every month, another 0.1%. Five straight months of increases.

What this means in real money:

• Regular benefit ($2,007): gets $54 more
• Spousal benefit ($954): picks up $26
• Bigger benefits? Bigger increases 💰

Mark your calendar: October 15, 2025 🗓️. That's when it's official. The Social Security Administration will crunch the third-quarter CPI-W numbers. They compare July-September 2025 with the same months from 2024. The difference becomes the COLA.

We're not entirely clear on the final number yet. August and September data still missing. But 2.7% feels like a solid guess for now. Everyone gets their personal COLA notice in December with the exact numbers.

Even with this boost, some seniors might struggle. Maybe cut expenses. Maybe tap more savings. Life in 2026 won't be cheap 🌕.