The average Social Security benefit for retired workers was $2,005 in June 2025. That figure would increase to $2,059 in the event of a 2.7% COLA, meaning the average retired worker would collect an additional $54 per month next year. However, benefits vary widely across age groups, which means COLAs (as measured in dollars) will vary widely.

Millions of U.S. retirees and other Social Security recipients will have to wait for a while to learn how big their checks will be in 2026 as the ongoing partial government shutdown is set to delay the release of September's consumer inflation data.

Several Social Security Administration (SSA) changes are arriving this month for beneficiaries. On October 15, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be finalized for next year, determining the adjustment for benefit increases to take effect in January.

Taking Social Security at 62 cuts benefits ~30% vs age 70. Early claim buys active years; waiting secures higher lifetime income, COLA and survivor protection.