In early 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that benefits for approximately 75 million Americans will rise by 2.8 percent. This adjustment — known as the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) — will translate to an average increase of about US$56 per month for retired workers. Though modest, the raise sends a message: the government is proceeding with incremental support to preserve retirees’ purchasing power amid ongoing inflation pressures. As the SSA puts it: “Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities.” However, many seniors say the increase still falls short of covering rising costs in housing, healthcare and daily expenses.