Social Security's 2026 COLA Could See a Significant Increase Amid Federal Moves

Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is expected to increase by about 2.5%, a modest boost influenced by President Trump's tariff and trade policies, which have slightly increased inflation. Despite this, the COLA remains insufficient to counteract the 20% decline in the buying power of Social Security benefits since 2010, especially as key expenses like housing and medical care have experienced higher inflation rates than the COLA.