2026 Social Security COLA estimated at 2.7%. Why seniors still fall behind.

[Beachnutt]

USA Today
Social Security recipients are still forecast to see a 2.7% bump in their monthly checks next year, the same as last month's estimate, based on the latest inflation report, a new analysis showed.

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), the index used to calculate the annual adjustment to Social Security benefits, increased 2.5% in July. Overall inflation rose 2.7%, flat from June. The Federal Reserve's inflation goal is 2%.
Why is July COLA estimate important?

The actual Social Security COLA that the Social Security Administration typically announces in October is based on inflation data in the third quarter, or July, August and September. So July is the first month that will be considered for the 2026 COLA calculation.
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https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2025/08/12/social-security-2026-cola-estimate/85623286007/

[Nictuku]

1. Scary

I just paid my monthly bills. I have $56.00 left in my bank account. I've never been this close before. I even bought fewer groceries this time. If things keep up like this, I'm going to have to cancel our only entertainment (these days), that being HBO/Disney+/Hulu (I have the bundle), and then after that, get rid of DirectTV. After that, there goes the internet. After that, I'll have to go on a very strict diet.

It is just so depressing.

[2naSalit]

2. Consider this for internet...

https://www.pcsforpeople.org/

[Nictuku]

5. Thanks for the info.

[questionseverything]

6. Maybe get rid of direct tv

We have internet and stream peacock and paramount plus for 6 or 7 bucks a piece
(Right now paramount is cancelled because everything is a re run)

I have to watch shows a day after they show on regular tv but it’s way cheaper

Do you use food pantrys? If not, try it, every little bit helps

[Tree Lady]

3. They usually raise Medicare more

So I don't get anything or like $20.

With how much insurance alone goes up everything unaffordable. I am talking about car and home not health. Just got my home new price for year up 25% and I read all of them are up like this nothing we can do.

[spinbaby]

4. Americans can't afford groceries

And cat food is no longer an option for seniors. Have you seen the price of cat food?