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GOBankingRates
GOBankingRates
Chris Adam

COLA vs. Inflation vs. Insolvency: The Tug-of-War Over Your Social Security Check

eric1513 / Getty Images

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.

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