
2026 is just getting started, but that doesn’t stop some retirees from wondering how well their Social Security checks will hold up this year.
After all, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.8%. It’s higher than the 2.5% that came in 2025, but it’s likely not close to enough to erase financial concerns for seniors. With that in mind, here’s a look at how Social Security’s COLA stacks up to inflation.