The latest cost-of-living projection shows that seniors could see a decrease in Social Security benefits. The 2026 COLA is estimated to be around 2.3%, making the prediction 0.2% lower than last year’s COLA of 2.5%, according to the Senior Citizens League.

The latest cost-of-living projection for 2026 shows that seniors could see less of an increase than last year, according to the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League

Based on the most updated inflation data, the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League is predicting that 2026's Social Security COLA will be 2.3%. That's a notch lower than 2025's COLA, and it's also a number that may have a lot of older Americans worried.

According to non-partisan group, The Senior Citizens League, 2026's cost of living adjustment increases will not likely keep up with inflation. Here's what the prediction shows.

Social Security beneficiaries receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to keep the purchasing power of benefits aligned with rising prices across the economy. The official 2026 COLA will not be determined until October 2025 because it depends on inflation data from the third quarter, which is collected between July and September.

Retirees who count on Social Security should prepare for a relatively meager cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their benefits in 2026. Learn More: 3 Changes That Could Be Coming to Social