Social Security Plans 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment Amid Inflation

October 15, 2025, is a crucial date for Social Security beneficiaries, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release September inflation data, including the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which the Social Security Administration uses to calculate the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The COLA is designed to protect Social Security benefits from inflation by adjusting payments based on changes in CPI-W from the third quarter of each year compared to the previous year. The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2026 COLA shortly after the data release, which will determine the benefit increases for the following year. Predictions suggest the 2026 COLA may be around 2.7%, potentially higher than the 2.5% increase seen in 2025, meaning beneficiaries may receive larger checks, especially those with above-average benefits. Additionally, under President Donald Trump's administration, several changes have been implemented or are anticipated that could impact Social Security, including modernization efforts and executive orders affecting benefit payments and administration. These ongoing updates reflect the dynamic nature of the Social Security program as it adapts to economic conditions and policy shifts.