Social Security recipients’ monthly checks could be higher than originally thought next year with the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.

A new analysis by The Senior Citizens League found the Social Security COLA for 2026 could be 2.5%, higher than previously projected after inflation ticked higher in May.

The projected 2.5% COLA for 2026 might not be enough to cover your increasing living costs. With inflation and flawed data collection, retirees could face financial challenges.