Social Security checks saw a 2.5% boost this month thanks to the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For most retirees, this is the only benefit increase they can expect all year. Their checks won't go up again until the next COLA takes effect in January 2026.

The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonpartisan senior group, recently released their monthly COLA estimate, predicting that it would moderate to 2.1% in 2026.

Almost all Social Security beneficiaries are familiar with the most popular and publicized change: the increase in monthly benefit checks for 2025 due to the automated cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. As you already know, that increase will be 2.5%.

The first Social Security checks with 2025's 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) have gone out, with more coming in the following weeks. The average retired worker will now receive $1,976 per month, up from $1,927 last year. However, many seniors were hoping for a bigger increase.

This big adjustment that will hit the Social Security program in 2025 will impact Medicare and the amount that beneficiaries receive.

Key Points Social Security benefits got a 2.5% COLA in 2025. That raise is already trailing inflation. If you’re struggling, it may be time to rethink your spending, downsize, relocate, or go back to work.

In a survey of 2,000 retirees, more than half said that the 2.5% COLA that just went into effect is insufficient. More than 80% say that the COLA won’t help them pay for living expenses. Inflation has been a major issue for retirees in recent years.