The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) has raised its 2026 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) estimate from 2.1% to 2.3% following recent inflation data. This increase, based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W), would add about $46 per month to the average retiree’s check.
Despite the adjustment, many retirees feel COLA calculations fail to reflect their actual expenses, especially rising medical costs. Some experts advocate using the Elderly Consumer Price Index (CPI-E) for a more accurate measure.
While inflation remains a key factor in COLA adjustments, historical increases have often fallen short of retirees’ financial needs. With inflation slightly accelerating, beneficiaries hope the final 2026 adjustment will better support their living expenses.
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