The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) aims to help benefits maintain their buying power over time. Because retirees receive benefits for the rest of their lives, this adjustment makes it easier for seniors to rely on their monthly checks even as costs increase.

As summer winds down, retirees and Social Security recipients shift their focus toward 2026—especially the upcoming Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Although the official announcement won’t arrive until October 2025,

Every year, Social Security is eligible for a COLA. When inflation remains flat, Social Security benefits remain flat. When there's a decrease in inflation from one year to the next, Social Security benefits also remain flat.