Social Security
The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment Is Set. Here Is What It Changes for Monthly Checks.
The annual increase determines how far a fixed income stretches against rent, groceries, and prescription costs over the coming year.
Contributor
Margaret Ellison
Benefits Correspondent
Margaret Ellison covers Social Security and the annual decisions that determine how far a fixed income stretches. She focuses on translating program rules into practical guidance for beneficiaries.
Areas of Coverage
Disclosure: Reports independently and holds no financial interest in the programs or plans covered.
Recent Reporting
- Social Security
The Case for Waiting: How Claiming Age Reshapes a Lifetime of Benefits
Delaying a claim raises the monthly amount, but the right choice depends on health, savings, and household needs.
