The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is meant to help retirees keep pace with inflation. But in 2025, seniors are finding that the adjustment isn’t enough to cover winter’s rising expenses. From groceries to heating bills, inflation pressures are outpacing the modest increase in benefits. For retirees living on fixed incomes, the shortfall creates financial stress and forces tough choices. Here are the key areas where the COLA adjustment is failing to keep up with winter inflation.
