Social Security recipients await news of the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to combat inflation. The raise, expected to be slightly larger than 2025’s, won’t be enough to live on. Benefits were never designed as a sole income source, emphasizing the need for additional retirement savings and income sources.

COLAs ensure Social Security checks keep up with inflation, with a 2.7% raise projected for 2026. Despite these adjustments, benefits can’t cover all retirement costs. The formula may not accurately reflect seniors’ expenses, highlighting the importance of supplementing income sources beyond Social Security for financial security in retirement.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Social Security Benefits Aren’t Enough to Live On. The 2026 Raise Won’t Change That.